Technology News 27.02.2026

DJI challenges US import ban, appeals FCC ruling

February 27, 2026, 11:54 PM EST. DJI has filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit challenging the FCC’s December order that blocked imports of its new drone models and key components. The petition targets the regulator’s decision to place DJI on the covered list, a label that restricts sale of equipment deemed a national- security risk. DJI argues the ruling was procedurally flawed and lacked substantive evidence that its products threaten the United States. The company says the decision harms US consumers and farmers who rely on its gear. DJI holds a dominant share of the drone market, with estimates above 70% globally and 70-90% in the US across segments. The order briefly boosted demand and prices for used DJI gear. The case adds to broader U.S. scrutiny of Chinese tech firms.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 leak shows Creator Combo Quick Start Guide ahead of launch

February 27, 2026, 11:52 PM EST. DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Quick Start Guide, labeled for the Creator Combo (全能套装) Version 1.0, is bilingual (English and Chinese) and includes QR codes for DJI Support and the official site, plus a product-verification barcode. The page clearly brands the device as “DJI Osmo Pocket 4,” with no edition suffix, and hints at a bundled set of accessories for professional videographers. The leak-shot in a clean handheld frame-feels authentic and matches prior reporting that the launch is imminent. Early retail stock in Asia points to an Asia-first rollout, with broader availability in the United States and elsewhere within one to two weeks after the China introduction. China’s expected announcement is targeted for March 26, 2026; FCC registrations support U.S. timing.

Two Studio Display 2 Upgrades Leaked: ProMotion, Thunderbolt 5 and More

February 27, 2026, 11:50 PM EST. Macworld’s Filipe Espósito reports Apple is developing two Studio Display models with upgraded specs. Citing lines of internal Apple files-allegedly from a macOS Tahoe kernel debug kit leaked last year-Espósito says both displays would include ProMotion and up to 120Hz refresh, plus HDR for brighter, more dynamic images. The higher-end model could add a larger screen, stronger speakers, and more or higher-spec ports. A likely feature is at least one Thunderbolt 5 port to handle 5K at 120Hz and peripherals, though one leak suggested a maximum of 90Hz. Speculation also mentions a 32-inch option, though that would require higher than 5K resolution; a 6K target is possible. Rumors also point to an A19 or A19 Pro chip and mini-LED backlighting. Apple aims to unveil the lineup in H1 2026, pending regulatory signal.

D-Wave Quantum stock slides after 2025 earnings as liquidity hits record

February 27, 2026, 11:36 PM EST. Shares of D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) slid about 10% through Friday morning after reporting fiscal 2025 results. The company said revenue rose 179% year over year, gross profit jumped 265%, and it ended 2025 with liquidity above $884 million. Full-year sales were $24.6 million; bookings were $18.7 million; the company posted a $1.11 per share loss and negative free cash flow of $75.8 million. Cash and equivalents stood at $635.3 million, with $249.1 million in marketable securities, pushing total liquidity above $884 million. Valuation remained lofty: a price-to-sales ratio above 260x. Analysts from Evercore ISI and Mizuho cut price targets, helping fuel the move. Some analysts at S&P Global Market Intelligence still foresee positive free cash flow by 2028, though the outlook is debated.

Story isn’t over when EV batteries die: Asia-Pacific tests second life for retired packs in solar storage

February 27, 2026, 10:52 PM EST. Mae Hong Son, in northern Thailand, hosts a pilot that repurposes retired EV batteries to store solar energy, avoiding new dams or coal power. The project shows a practical second life for technology once considered finished and signals a broader Asia-Pacific push to extend asset use. Lithium from Australia, cobalt from the DRC and nickel from Indonesia begin a materials loop whose recovered value can exceed disposal costs. But safety matters loom: lithium-ion packs can suffer thermal runaway; fires on ships like the Felicity Ace in 2022 underscored transport risk. Recycling remains costly and logistically complex; half the expense is collection and transport. In dense markets, battery swapping offers an alternative to traditional recycling, helping stabilize grids and reduce waste.

Samsung expands satellite connectivity to Galaxy S26 and older Galaxy devices

February 27, 2026, 10:48 PM EST. Samsung confirms expanded satellite connectivity across its Galaxy line, starting with the Galaxy S26 series (S26, S26+, S26 Ultra) and extending to older devices via carrier partnerships. The feature, first popularized by Apple and later adopted by Google, targets safety in areas with no cellular coverage. In major markets such as the US and Europe, Samsung links satellite services to operators including T-Mobile, Verizon, Virgin Media O2 UK, Vodafone UK, MasOrange Spain, KDDI Japan, SoftBank/Docomo Japan, and Rakuten Mobile Japan, with AT&T and others coming soon. Availability depends on carrier support. The rollout underlines Samsung’s push to embed next-generation connectivity into daily use and safety, alongside AI-era services.

Nvidia plans new AI chip to speed processing, WSJ reports

February 27, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. WSJ, citing people familiar with the matter, reports Nvidia plans to launch a new processor designed to help OpenAI and other customers build faster, more efficient AI systems. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The article offers limited timing or performance details. The plan underscores Nvidia’s ongoing effort to expand hardware for AI developers and cloud providers amid a crowded accelerator field.

Smartphone shipments seen at steepest decline in a decade as memory crunch lifts prices

February 27, 2026, 10:42 PM EST. Smartphone makers face a price squeeze as a global DRAM and NAND shortage tightens chip supplies. IDC projects 1.1 billion smartphones to ship in 2026, down about 12.9% from 2025, marking the steepest downturn in years. The average selling price is seen rising about 14% to a record $523 as manufacturers pass higher memory costs to shoppers. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup already reflects the shift, priced about $100 higher than its predecessors. The downturn hits the low end hardest, threatening sub-$100 devices as margins evaporate. Analysts expect the drop to ease by mid-2027 as memory prices stabilize, with a rebound in 2028. AI-data center demand is diverting memory from phones, with Samsung and Apple better positioned to weather the disruption.

Samsung expands satellite connectivity for Galaxy smartphones worldwide

February 27, 2026, 10:40 PM EST. Samsung is expanding satellite connectivity for Galaxy smartphones in global markets, extending partnerships with operators in North America, Europe and Japan. The rollout, in phases tied to regulatory clearance, covers select flagship models and the Galaxy A series, with aims to improve safety and emergency messaging when traditional networks fail. In the United States, T-Mobile’s collaboration with Starlink supports T911, text and data on models launched after Galaxy S21. Verizon will offer eSOS and text on flagship lines since Galaxy S25, while AT&T is also involved. In Europe, Virgin Media O2 will enable satellite features on select devices; pilots with MasOrange in Spain are planned, and Vodafone is participating as well.

RayNeo Air 4 Pro debuts as world’s first AR glasses with HDR10 support

February 27, 2026, 10:38 PM EST. RayNeo unveiled the Air 4 Pro, the latest AR glasses from the TCL-backed maker. The device is pitched as affordable hardware with standout HDR10 support-claimed first in AR eyewear. It connects to iPhones, Android devices and consoles, and can project a display up to 135 inches. At 76 grams, it aims for light wear, with 1200 nits brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Whisper Mode concentrates audio to reduce leakage, while Bang & Olufsen tuning promises refined sound. It uses AI upscaling to sharpen lower-resolution video and borrows 3D-view tech seen in Apple Vision Pro. The package lists a $299 price, described as strong value for early adopters.

Google tests quantum-resistant root store to harden TLS certificates

February 27, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. TLS certificates are published in public transparency logs to detect misissuance. Google’s approach adds quantum-resistant material to a new root strategy, the so-called quantum-resistant root store, designed to sit with Chrome’s existing root program. The idea: attackers would need to break both classical and post-quantum cryptography to forge a log entry or timestamp. Measurements rely on Merkle Trees in MTCs, keeping data sizes similar to today’s 64-byte fingerprints. Cloudflare is testing the system by enrolling roughly 1,000 certificates as the distributed ledger is built; CAs would assume that role in time. IETF has formed a PKI, Logs, And Tree Signatures group to coordinate standards, as vendors pledge a path to post-quantum resilience for web users.

Tesla China rolls out seven-year financing to defend sales

February 27, 2026, 10:26 PM EST. Tesla China rolled out a new financing push for orders by March 31, offering seven-year ultra-low-interest loans across the lineup and five-year interest-free options on the Model 3, Model Y and Model Y L. Down payments run 79,900 yuan for the Model 3/Y and 99,900 yuan for the Model Y L, with monthly payments from 1,759 yuan, 2,188 yuan and 2,849 yuan. An 8,000 yuan insurance subsidy applies to some orders. Seen as a second round of disguised price cuts, the move aims to shore up demand after 2025 wholesale sales fell 7.08% to 851,732 units, with domestic shipments through November down 7.37% to 531,900. Globally, 2025 deliveries slipped 8.6% to 1.636 million, while BYD reached 2.2567 million EVs.

Pokémon Go Tour Kalos: Global habitat hours, raid rotation and habitat Pokémon lists

February 27, 2026, 10:22 PM EST. Pokémon Go Tour Kalos: Global runs Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. local time. The event uses three rotating habitats – Central Village, Mountain Manor and Coastal Laboratory – plus an extra hour where all habitat Pokémon can appear. The schedule rotates hourly: 10-11, 11-12, 12-1, then 1-2 (all-habitat), 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 (all-habitat). Two raid tracks operate: the regular raids and the Mega Raid schedule, with Megas changing on the hour. The page lists habitat-specific Pokémon for each zone; full lists are included there and may update. Players are reminded of related event features such as the Road to Kalos, Unown quests and Memories in Motion.

Tesla employee alleges firing after safety warnings at Hayward warehouse, lawsuit says

February 27, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. An ex-Tesla Energy regional manager, Nina Mirani, says she was fired after flagging potentially deadly working conditions at Tesla’s Hayward hub in California. Filing in state court and later moved to a San Francisco federal court, the complaint describes an overcrowded facility with batteries stacked in aisles, forcing workers to navigate around high-voltage material. Mirani says managers repeatedly disregarded safety concerns while shipping large volumes of lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous material to the site, creating risk of a catastrophic fire. The filing warns conditions were ripe for thermal runaway and cites past Tesla energy storage and vehicle-fire incidents. The Independent reviewed the filing.

Firefly to launch Alpha rocket from Vandenberg on Saturday

February 27, 2026, 10:16 PM EST. Firefly Aerospace plans to launch its Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday, with a two-hour launch window opening at 4:50 p.m. PT on Feb. 28. The company will monitor upper-level winds and stream the liftoff live starting 20 minutes before ignition. Flight 7 aims to validate sub-systems and push toward the Block II upgrade on Flight 8, Firefly said on X. The company notes the mission will test first- and second-stage performance and support preparations for the upgrade. For Flight 8, Firefly plans a seven-foot length increase and consolidated batteries and avionics plus an enhanced thermal protection system, improvements it says should raise reliability and streamline production to meet commercial, civil and national security demand.

NVIDIA vs. Broadcom: Which AI Stock Looks Smarter for March 2026

February 27, 2026, 10:08 PM EST. NVIDIA remains the dominant supplier of AI accelerators, with data-center demand and its CUDA ecosystem driving growth. Broadcom offers a diversified chip portfolio and software services that could cushion AI capex swings. Investors compare growth trajectories and valuation for March 2026. NVIDIA’s lead in GPUs, cloud spending, and ecosystem lock-in support upside, but face regulatory and supply-chain risks. Broadcom provides resilience from software and a broader chip cycle, yet lacks the same AI-tilt, potentially capping upside. The smarter pick depends on risk tolerance: AI momentum favors NVIDIA, while Broadcom’s diversification appeals to conservatism. Analysts say to watch data-center spend, pricing dynamics, and long-cycle AI investments.

Galaxy Watch Ultra discounted by $455 off original price; Best Buy open-box Titanium Gray at $194.99

February 27, 2026, 10:06 PM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is on deep sale as part of current Galaxy S26 promos, with about $455 off its original $650 list price. Best Buy is offering a Titanium Gray open-box unit in ‘excellent’ condition for $194.99 with a 1-year warranty. The 2024 model remains essentially unchanged from the 2025 update aside from color and RAM. The watch debuted at $650 and remains a high-end option in the wearables market. Verified open-box stock may include the full package and Geek Squad checks, though warranty terms vary by listing. Samsung highlights include a titanium body, ocean swimming resistance, Galaxy AI features, Energy Score and enhanced Heart Rate Tracking. Deals are time-sensitive and may sell out.

AdGuard offers lifetime Family Plan ad blocker for $19.97 through March 1

February 27, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. Sponsored by Mashable partners, AdGuard offers a lifetime subscription for its Family Plan that blocks ads, trackers, and sketchy content. The sale price is $19.97, down from $169.99, and runs through March 1. The deal promises a quieter, safer internet experience by removing pop-ups, video ads, and banners across devices tied to one account. Buyers receive a one-time payment for ongoing protection instead of renewals. The post notes potential affiliate compensation tied to purchases. Availability and pricing can change after publication.

Amazon CEO says AI could reduce demand for human workers

February 27, 2026, 9:48 PM EST. Amazon’s chief executive said AI could reduce the need for human workers in many jobs, signaling a broader shift toward automation across industries. He framed the trend as a driver of higher productivity and lower costs, while noting the implications for hiring, retraining and workforce planning. The remarks come as AI tools gain broader use in e-commerce, logistics and customer service, prompting lawmakers and labor groups to weigh potential disruption. Amazon plans to balance technology investments with worker transitions, emphasizing augmentation rather than replacement in many roles.

Trump orders halt on Anthropic AI use as DoD clash over safety guardrails intensifies

February 27, 2026, 9:46 PM EST. President Donald Trump orders federal agencies to immediately cease use of Anthropic AI technology, after the company and the US Department of Defense failed to resolve safety guardrails. The Pentagon has pressed for broader access to Claude AI, arguing it could bolster national security, while Anthropic insists its systems must not enable mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei defended the company’s stance, saying military decisions remain with the state, and warned that AI can undermine democratic values in certain cases. Trump criticized the company on Truth Social, saying the US will decide the country’s fate, not a private firm. The standoff highlights a broader policy clash over AI ethics, defense access, and the safety standards governing advanced systems.

Florida AI safety bill stalls in House as Senate backs child-safety provisions

February 27, 2026, 9:44 PM EST. Florida’s push to regulate AI under a so-called Florida AI Bill of Rights stalls in the House even as the Senate backs child-safety provisions. Gov. Ron DeSantis has pressed for a robust framework, while two Republicans defend action: Sen. Tom Leek with SB 482 and Rep. Alex Rizo with HB 1395. Leek told an appropriations hearing the issue cannot wait for Congress; the bill remains on the special order calendar, and HB 1395 is stalled amid concerns from House Speaker Daniel Perez that AI rules belong at the federal level. Proponents point to cases like Megan Garcia’s suit over a chatbot linked to her son’s death to illustrate risk. Critics warn against overreach and note Florida also moved on data-center limits, as the session runs to March 13.

AI-driven memory-chip shortage pushes smartphone prices to record highs, IDC says

February 27, 2026, 9:34 PM EST. A global shortage in memory chips sparked by artificial intelligence has sent smartphone prices higher, with IDC forecasting an average selling price up 14% this year to a record $523. The report warns the memory squeeze will push some phones above $100, reshape supply lines and reduce overall device shipments. IDC senior research director Nabila Popal calls the disruption a tsunami-like shock with ripple effects across consumer electronics. The IDC says 2026 smartphone sales could fall 12.9% to 1.12 billion units, the lowest in more than a decade. The root cause is AI demand: data centers and AI chips divert memory supplies from consumer devices. Apple and Samsung may fare better than smaller Android makers, while the broader market must adjust to a permanently tighter memory market.

NVIDIA Overtakes Apple as TSMC’s Largest Revenue Customer

February 27, 2026, 9:32 PM EST. NVIDIA has overtaken Apple to become TSMC’s largest revenue customer, according to Taiwanese reports and a slip by Jensen Huang. TSMC does not name clients in its results, instead using placeholders such as client A. If Huang’s remark is accurate, NVIDIA is client A in TSMC’s books. NVIDIA’s 2025 revenue from TSMC reached NT$726.9 billion (about US$23.2 billion), more than doubling 2024. The Apple line came in at NT$645.1 billion (US$20.5 billion). NVIDIA’s share rose to 19% in 2025 from 12% in 2024, while Apple slipped to 17% from 22%. The figures reflect product mix and services-advanced nodes, packaging, testing-not simply chip counts.

Tesla updates Model Y manual: 80% charge, reserve Supercharging for trips

February 27, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Tesla updates the Model Y Owner’s Manual with tips aimed at extending battery life. The company explicitly says save Supercharging for road trips and rely on Level 1/2 charging at home to daily-drive the car. It explains battery health as the remaining capacity, with 85% health equating to roughly 85% of new range. The update emphasizes charging cadence: stick to the 80% rule, charge more frequently, and avoid long stays at 0% or 100%. For storage, keep the battery near 50%. It notes a small daily parasitic drain from features like Sentry Mode and USB devices (~1% per day) and mentions a battery warranty introduced last year. The guidance blends traditional practice with Tesla’s software safeguards to slow aging.

Desperate app notifications intensify attention race, Reuters Institute finds

February 27, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. App developers push many alerts, hoping to reel users back in. The author catalogs examples from Disney+, Discord, Venmo, Reddit, Duet and GrubHub, showing that some alerts resemble ads or mere reminders the app exists. A 2025 analysis by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism finds publishers relying more on push notifications to reach audiences, even as platforms clamp down. It notes 79% of respondents don’t receive any news alerts, and 43% have disabled them. The report also flags experiments with AI-generated summaries of notifications on iOS and Android, which can make alerts feel more, not less, intrusive. This fits an overarching attention economy where many industries compete for eyeballs and engagement.

El Paso weighs renewing AI-powered Flock camera contract amid privacy concerns

February 27, 2026, 9:26 PM EST. El Paso is weighing whether to renew its license-plate surveillance contract with Flock, as the city faces a privacy debate over AI-powered cameras that have been installed across the area. The 150 cameras, funded by a state grant of more than $700,000, expire March 3, and the current contract ends May 16. City Council will discuss renewal in a Tuesday meeting. Officials say the system searches license-plate data after a crime is reported, stores vehicle data for investigations, and does not provide real-time tracking. Police say the cameras aid investigations while the department is short-staffed. Some residents support the tool for auto theft and abduction cases; others question data use and potential ICE access. A detailed presentation and a police chief letter are expected at the meeting.

SpaceX seeks FCC approval to launch 1 million AI data-center satellites

February 27, 2026, 9:14 PM EST. SpaceX has asked the FCC for permission to launch 1 million satellites that would serve as data centers to run AI, about 100 times SpaceX’s current Starlink constellation. Elon Musk argues space-based data centers could avoid land use, water cooling and electricity demands on Earth, leveraging abundant solar power and the cold of space. Skeptics, including Jonathan McDowell, call the plan staggering and unlikely in the near term, and worry it could be a publicity stunt. If built, each satellite would sit in a high orbit, possibly 1,000 kilometers, with enormous solar arrays and cooling hardware, creating a bright presence that could hinder dark skies and stargazing due to light and radio interference. The logistics would require hourly launches of Starship carrying hundreds of tons, with emissions that may offset any solar savings.

Ultrahuman bets on redesigned Ring Pro to recapture U.S. market after Oura ruling

February 27, 2026, 9:08 PM EST. Ultrahuman on Friday unveiled the Ring Pro, a third-generation smart ring with up to 15 days of battery life and a redesigned form factor. Priced at $479, it will start global preorders excluding the U.S. with shipments due in March. The move targets a revival of Ultrahuman’s U.S. business, disrupted last year after a patent ruling in favor of Oura at the U.S. International Trade Commission. The decision blocked new ring imports, though existing stock sold. The firm says the U.S. represented about 45% of roughly 700,000 daily active users. Ultrahuman also filed a Delhi High Court case against Oura. The Ring Pro adds a new heart-rate architecture, a dual-core processor, and stores up to 250 days of health data. Ultrahuman also announced Jade, a real-time health AI system available to all users without a current subscription.

Ten hacks to unlock hidden power on Meta Quest 3/3S

February 27, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. Meta’s Quest 3 and Quest 3S are marketed as easy, affordable headsets, but the guide argues they hide substantial power. It highlights ten hacks to go beyond out-of-the-box performance. The top tip is Quest Game Optimizer (QGO), a non-official utility that can push clock speeds and restore higher render resolution up to 300%, improving image quality at some risk. Setup involves purchasing from itch.io for $9.99, creating a Meta developer account, enabling Developer Mode, sideloading or unpacking the app, and granting Accessibility permissions. The guide also explains how to link the Quest to a PC-wired or via wireless link-to run PC games such as Half-Life: Alyx or Microsoft Flight Simulator with better visuals. It notes affiliate links and cautions about unsupported software.

Apple says UK age-verification prompt in iOS 26.4 beta 2 was a bug

February 27, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Some UK testers on the iOS 26.4 beta 2 program saw a prompt asking them to verify they are adults. Apple told The Verge the message was shown in error and has been removed. The incident ties to the UK’s Online Safety Act, which will require platforms to confirm users’ ages for certain content. Apple is updating its age-verification APIs to comply, using signals such as payment methods and the duration of an Apple ID to infer age. The company said the prompt was not intended for broad rollout. Developers may continue to use the Declared Age Range API to deliver age-appropriate experiences during the transition.

Apple’s Big Week: iPhone 17e, Low-Cost MacBook, iPad Refreshes

February 27, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. Apple plans a week of product announcements starting Monday, with events in New York, Shanghai and London on March 4. The lineup includes the expected iPhone 17e, a new low-cost MacBook, and updated Mac and iPad lines. The low-cost MacBook is said to resemble a MacBook Air in an aluminum chassis and color options, possibly 12.9-13-inch, and powered by a lower-power A-series chip to minimize heat. Rumors say a thinner, lighter chassis could come with the A18 Pro-first used in the iPhone 16 Pro-but features may be trimmed like lower brightness, no True Tone, no backlit keyboard, slower SSDs, and no N1 chip. Bloomberg notes tested colors include yellow, silver and pink; analyst Ming-Chi Kuo cites yellow, silver, blue and pink.

Quest 3 becomes travel-ready spatial computer with Horizon OS v85

February 27, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. Meta’s Quest 3 now doubles as a travel-ready spatial computer thanks to Horizon OS updates. With Horizon OS v85 PTC, the headset can turn any surface into a virtual keyboard and touchpad, and Meta says you can remap the Quest 3S action button. The browser is the foundation of this setup; productivity hinges on web app compatibility. Users should test sites they rely on, logins, documents, and file transfers before traveling. Even well-behaved apps can glitch. In one test, Google Docs showed underlined text that wasn’t there; switching editors such as Word, StackEdit, or Lex can solve it. If a site doesn’t play nicely, there are alternatives. Fluid Browser, based on Chromium with a Gecko mode for certain pages, is a popular choice. With careful setup, the Quest 3 can serve as a grab-and-go workstation for web, messaging, and media.

Electronic Caregiver expands Southern New Mexico footprint to build Rio Grande Health Technology Corridor

February 27, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. Electronic Caregiver, Inc., a Las Cruces-based AI-driven healthcare infrastructure company, announced a multi-year expansion to establish the Rio Grande Health Technology Corridor. The Addison Care platform delivers continuous AI-driven healthcare engagement at home, integrating remote patient monitoring, TeleCare operations, longitudinal data management, payer alignment, and family caregiver support across the United States. The plan extends operations from Las Cruces to Roswell over the next 12-18 months, creating high-skill, high-wage roles in software engineering, AI/ML, cloud architecture, IoT, user experience, clinical support, and more. Company officials say the initiative aims to position Southern New Mexico as a nationally recognized health tech hub with a recurring-revenue model serving patients, clinics, home care networks, and payers. The effort follows existing staff growth and ongoing hiring across technical, clinical, and commercial functions, signaling a Silicon Valley-style opportunity in the region.

Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 and Buds4 at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco

February 27, 2026, 8:44 PM EST. Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S26 and Buds4 at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, framing the show around Reach, Openness and Confidence. Officials described AI-powered on-device experiences and seamless cross-device connectivity as core themes, aiming for a more natural and intuitive Galaxy AI in daily life. Samsung Newsroom provided on-site highlights, and the official replay is now available for viewers who missed the event. The company underscored practical improvements designed to help users manage tasks across devices and ecosystems, with demonstrations of smarter on-device features.

China starts trials of solid-state EV batteries promising up to 1,000-mile range

February 27, 2026, 8:40 PM EST. China is moving solid-state EV batteries from labs into real-world trials. Changan Automobile plans trial installations of its all-solid-state cells by late 2026, stepping beyond demos. It cites a 400 Wh/kg energy density and, on the CLTC cycle, headlines of about 932 miles of range. The company also highlights AI-driven diagnostics to raise safety, with validation in both EVs and robots. Dongfeng has begun testing a prototype in extreme cold, reporting around 350 Wh/kg density and a CLTC range above 1,000 km (roughly 620 miles). If pilots go smoothly, broader production could arrive between 2027 and 2030. The global race continues as premium brands test solid-state tech on the road to real driving and charging resilience.

Samsung teases more advanced S Pen, defers TriFold and Edge sequels

February 27, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. Samsung says the S Pen remains a core Galaxy feature and is due for upgrades. In a Bloomberg-reported interview after the Galaxy S26 launch, COO Won-Joon Choi said Samsung is developing a more advanced S Pen and a new display structure to reduce limitations of the stylus. The company has floated replacing the existing digitizer, with factors like Qi2 compatibility and magnet interference driving a redesign. Samsung also signaled no timeline for sequels to the Galaxy Z TriFold or the Galaxy S25 Edge, despite early experiments. The Galaxy S26 is available for pre-order, with usual trade-ins and additional credits through March 11.

AI accelerates race to cancer cures, says Soon-Shiong on Special Report

February 27, 2026, 8:36 PM EST. Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, executive chairman of the Los Angeles Times and ImmunityBio, tells Special Report that cancer is evolving and requires adaptive strategies. He says AI is speeding up the development of new treatments by matching therapies to tumors’ changing biology, enabling faster design of targeted drugs and next-generation immunotherapies. The discussion covers ongoing longevity research in the broader effort to extend healthy years, but focuses on translating biology into practical options for patients. With a short, data-driven cadence, the segment underlines how AI is pushing clinical trials toward precision approaches and earlier access to therapies, while stressing the need for rigorous validation and safety.

Tesla confirms black headliner and 16-inch display for Canadian Model Y orders

February 27, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Tesla updates the Canadian Model Y configurator to include a black headliner as standard on Premium and Performance trims and a larger 16-inch QHD display on most variants. The changes align Canadian builds with the U.S. and other markets, and new orders placed today will ship with the upgraded interior. Earlier shipments built before the changeover may not include the updates. The Standard Range variant still shows the grey headliner for now. Tesla says the transition to updated production allocations is complete for new orders, while some pending deliveries could see the features depend on build timing.

NASA revises Artemis II timeline as SLS repairs push Moon mission to early April

February 27, 2026, 8:28 PM EST. NASA’s Artemis II, the first crewed Moon mission since the Apollo era, remains delayed and now targets early April after repairs to the Space Launch System (SLS). The earlier three delays followed extreme cold in Florida, a hydrogen leak during a wet dress rehearsal-an integrated fueling test-and a helium-flow leak on the pad. The SLS was rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in Cape Canaveral for fixes. NASA official Lori Glaze stressed the challenges; advent of the plan to lift launch frequency. Space entrepreneur Jared Isaacman says more frequent launches will improve muscle memory and rhythm for crews. The agency intends to raise cadence across Artemis missions to shorten gaps between flights and accelerate the Moon program toward a crewed return after more than 50 years.

Gemini adds multi-item image and video sharing on Android

February 27, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Android Authority’s Ryan Haines reports that Gemini’s latest update, version 1.0.869192867 expands its sharing capabilities. The app now accepts multiple images and videos from other apps via Android’s share sheet, whereas before only a single image could be imported and videos could not be imported. The change lets users send up to 10 items at a time into Gemini; anything beyond the first 10 is discarded. This saves steps for users sharing media from cloud storage like Google Photos, removing the need to download items first. Gemini also supports uploading media via its own attachment mechanism.

Trump halts Anthropic AI across federal agencies after Pentagon dispute

February 27, 2026, 8:22 PM EST. President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to immediately cease using Anthropic’s AI model after a public clash over ethics and national security. The White House said agencies must begin a six-month phase-out and stop deployments by 5:01 p.m. deadline, unless resolved. The Defense Department’s Pete Hegseth framed a request for access to the technology for lawful purposes as essential to protect operations, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei refused, citing safeguards against mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Assistant Secretary of Defense Sean Parnell said the department has no interest in such uses. An inquiry on the scope of any lawful purposes remained unanswered. Analysts see the fight as signaling a shift, with tech firms assuming greater political risk, including possible use of the Defense Production Act.

Block trims 4,000 jobs as AI boosts productivity

February 27, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. Block, the parent of Square and Cash App, said it will lay off about 4,000 of its 10,000 staff as productivity from AI tools accelerates. CEO Jack Dorsey told shareholders that a smaller team using the company’s tools can do more and better work, and that AI capabilities are compounding. The move comes as investors pushed Block shares up more than 20% in pre-market trading after the earnings release showing $6.25 bn in revenue for the quarter. Analysts say the cuts reflect a broader corporate shift toward automation in tech. Goldman Sachs warned AI adoption could lift unemployment; MIT studies suggest a potential impact on US workforces. Block notes the layoffs are not due to trouble, but to strategic retrenchment and AI reliance.

SpaceX weighs confidential IPO filing as soon as March

February 27, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. SpaceX is weighing a confidential IPO filing as soon as March, according to people familiar with the matter. The Starbase, Texas-based rocket and satellite company could submit a draft registration to the SEC in March and target a June listing, potentially the first in a wave that could include OpenAI and Anthropic. Valuation discussions place SpaceX at more than $1.75 trillion, with some noting a post-offering size of up to $50 billion. The deal would come after SpaceX’s acquisition of Musk’s AI startup xAI, valued at about $1.25 trillion. Banks including Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley are lined up for senior roles. A dual-class structure is being considered, giving insiders like Musk greater voting power. Details can change, and a filing could be delayed.

Upgrade Now: Apple Watch Series 11 at its lowest price

February 27, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. Amazon currently lists the Apple Watch Series 11 near $299, its lowest price to date. The deal makes upgrading from Series 8 or older attractive, thanks to new hypertension notifications and ECG features that arrived with Series 11. Series 9 and Series 10 owners gain some updates but still miss blood pressure monitoring, longer battery life (up to 24 hours), faster charging (80% in 30 minutes), and a sleep apnea tracker launched with Series 10. The Series 11 adds stronger Ion-X glass and 5G connectivity for faster data when away from Wi-Fi. A cheaper alternative, the Watch SE 3 at $219, lacks hypertension alerts and ECG. These sale prices may not last.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro deliver strong bass, solid noise cancellation at Unpacked

February 27, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. At Samsung Unpacked, I tested the company’s new Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 along with three S26 smartphones. Early impressions: the Buds4 Pro is a serious contender in the wireless-earbuds market. They deliver notable bass and effective noise cancellation in typical listening conditions. The team favored the fit and integration with Samsung devices, underscoring a push to compete with Apple in the premium-earbuds segment.

SpaceX could seek IPO valuation above $1.75 trillion, Bloomberg reports

February 27, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. SpaceX could file confidentially for an IPO valuing the company at more than $1.75 trillion, Bloomberg News reports, citing people familiar with the matter. The filing could arrive as soon as March, Bloomberg said, potentially ranking among the largest IPOs in history. SpaceX, after acquiring Elon Musk’s xAI unit, has not commented on the report when contacted by Reuters. The move signals ongoing investor appetite for high-growth tech assets, even as timing and regulatory steps remain uncertain.

Amazon inks up to $50 billion OpenAI investment, deepens AI-cloud partnership

February 27, 2026, 8:06 PM EST. Amazon reveals a strategic partnership with OpenAI, committing to invest up to $50 billion. OpenAI will expand its use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and deploy 2 gigawatts of Trainium chips for its Frontier enterprise platform. The deal deepens ties between the two firms and accelerates OpenAI’s cloud strategy as AWS remains a major backbone. Amazon says the pact includes jointly developing customized models for its engineering teams to power consumer products. OpenAI will spend about $100 billion on AWS over eight years, building on a broader funding round with Nvidia and SoftBank. The agreement coexists with OpenAI’s long-standing relationship with Microsoft, which remains the exclusive licensee of the group’s IP. The arrangement broadens OpenAI’s partner base and sharpens Amazon’s AI and cloud push.

Trump administration orders halt on Anthropic AI across federal agencies

February 27, 2026, 8:04 PM EST. Following a drawn-out dispute between the Pentagon and the U.S.-based AI maker Anthropic, President Trump ordered all federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s technology, NBC News reported. Anthropic, known for large language models, was at the center of safety and procurement questions as agencies weighed risks and governance. The directive broadens the government’s posture toward private AI vendors and signals a tougher stance on tools used by government offices. The development underscores ongoing tension over how AI should be regulated inside federal operations.

Mibro Explorer S Titanium: rugged outdoor watch with titanium body and affordable price

February 27, 2026, 8:02 PM EST. The Mibro Explorer S Titanium is certified MIL-STD-810H, undergoing 17 durability tests against shock, dust, humidity, salt spray and temperature extremes. It operates from -30°C to 70°C, suitable for hiking, trail running, camping and travel in changing environments. The watch has 10ATM water resistance, supporting swimming, surfing and paddleboarding, with a dedicated diving mode to track depth, dive time, ascent speed and safety alerts. Navigation uses dual-frequency GNSS (L1+L5) with five satellite systems, plus offline maps that download to the device for navigation without cellular coverage. Features include route following, deviation alerts and a one-key return. A real-time barometric tracking alerts weather shifts; blood-oxygen monitoring aids altitude acclimatization. Mibro pitches the Explorer S Titanium as an accessible, durable outdoor watch with premium titanium construction at a lower price than rivals such as Garmin.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X: 1250-HP Hybrid Pushes Peak Corvette Boundary

February 27, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. Chevrolet unveils the all-new ZR1X, a hybrid supercar packing a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 and a 400-volt front-wheel motor that together produce up to 1250 hp. Chevy claims a 0-60 mph in 1.68 seconds and a quarter-mile time around 8.675 seconds at 159.6 mph. The car sits above the standard ZR1, which was named 2026 Performance Car of the Year by R&T, and foreshadows a broader electrified push. Chevrolet debuted the ZR1X at Sonoma Raceway, chosen for its long straights and run-off safety, with track veteran guidance warning of crash-potential. The test program used a Corvette E-Ray first, then exposed the ZR1X to the tight, technical layout, a design that mirrors the E-Ray in front and the ZR1 in back. The ZR1X uses the same electric drive motor as the E-Ray.

Hegseth designates Anthropic a national security risk, bars military contractors from doing business

February 27, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled Anthropic a supply chain risk to national security and ordered that no contractor, supplier, or partner doing business with the U.S. military may engage in any commercial activity with the AI firm. The rule could ripple through the vast Pentagon contractor ecosystem. President Trump earlier directed federal agencies to stop using Anthropic, with the Defense Department and some agencies allowed to continue for up to six months during a transition. Anthropic has pressed for guardrails to prevent misuse, including mass surveillance and unapproved operations, while the Pentagon pushes to keep Claude available for all lawful purposes. The dispute underlines deep disagreement over AI’s role in national security and the balance between innovation and risk.

Samsung sweetens Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-orders with up to $930 off and new credits

February 27, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. Samsung has sweetened Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-orders, expanding savings to $930 off with trade-ins and a $30 accessory credit. The deal adds to the prior tier, which maxed at $900 off. An extra $30 credit unlocks automatically via Samsung’s shop, usable on accessories for the $1,300 phone. In addition, a PayPal discount of $50 with code PAYPAL50 was offered at launch; customers report mixed results. If you haven’t pre-ordered, the new incentives provide a fresh reason to buy now.

NEPA broadband gaps persist as Census data show rural households still lack high-speed internet

February 27, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. New Census Bureau data show Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) households still trail nationwide in high-speed internet. The five-year American Community Survey (ACS) results for 2019-2024, released in late January, cover Lackawanna, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. Broadband here means cable, fiber or DSL; satellite, cellphone or dial-up are excluded. In Foster Township (Luzerne County), 82.4% lacked a broadband subscription in 2024, up from 79.1% in 2019, while roughly 30% had no internet plan at all. Luzerne’s Fairmount Township posted the lowest subscription rate in the trio, at 52% of households; Blakely in Lackawanna at 35%; Dalton in Lackawanna had the strongest access, with about 8% lacking a subscription. Rural areas lag, though BEAD-the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program-is directing $1.16 billion to expand unserved and underserved areas. The data underpin education, telemedicine and economic opportunity needs.

Section 230 under renewed scrutiny as 30th birthday nears

February 27, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. Section 230, a 26-word clause in the 1996 Communications Decency Act, shielded platforms from liability for user posts and helped spur the internet economy. As it reaches its 30th birthday, lawmakers and tech leaders debate its fate, with critics arguing the shield enables harmful content and privacy concerns, while backers warn reforms could crush startups. At a Cato Institute event in Washington, Senator Ron Wyden and former Congressman Chris Cox recalled crafting 230 to fix the moderator’s dilemma and protect small online firms. Wyden, now wary of extending protection to AI-generated content, says the era’s new challenges demand a fresh look. The dispute underscores tensions between innovation, safety and accountability in digital life.

Can AI companionship cure loneliness? Experts debate

February 27, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Artificial intelligence tools answer questions and boost efficiency, but for many people they also serve as companionship – a virtual friend, a therapist, even a romantic partner. The question: can AI cure loneliness or does it reflect a problem in human connection? Horizon’s William Brangham leads a discussion with Sherry Turkle, Justin Gregg and Nick Thompson about the social and psychological implications of AI relationships. The conversation touches boundaries, privacy, dependence, and the limits of machine empathy. Experts differ on whether AI can truly substitute human interaction, and on when such use helps-or harms-individual well-being.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg this weekend; viewing spots in California

February 27, 2026, 7:40 PM EST. SpaceX plans a late-night Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County on Sunday, March 1. The two-stage, 230-foot rocket will deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, from Space Launch Complex 4E using a southern trajectory. The four-hour window opens at midnight PT, with a backup opportunity the next day per an FAA operations plan. Public access to the base is not allowed, but several coastal viewing points in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles may offer a sighting if conditions are clear. Local sites listed include 13th Street & Arguello Boulevard; Floradale Ave & West Ocean Ave; Renwick Ave & West Ocean Ave; and Santa Lucia Canyon Rd & Victory Rd. Postponements can occur due to weather or rocket issues; check local outlets for updates.

NASA revises Artemis roadmap, cancels SLS upgrades, adds LEO lander test

February 27, 2026, 7:36 PM EST. WASHINGTON – NASA announced revisions to the Artemis plan, adding a low-Earth orbit (LEO) test flight of lunar landers while scrapping planned upgrades to the Space Launch System (SLS). In a briefing, NASA said Artemis 3 would launch in 2027 to rendezvous and dock Orion with landers from Blue Origin and SpaceX in LEO, and to test a new Axiom Space spacesuit. The mission would be followed by Artemis 4 in 2028 for the first lunar landing, with possible Artemis 5 later that year. Artemis 3 echoes Apollo 9, the first in-space LM tests. NASA will skip the Block 1B upper stage, adopting a near-Block 1 configuration to speed flight rates, amid hydrogen leaks seen in Artemis 2. Administrator Jared Isaacman urged faster, safer flight to counter China.

NASA expands Artemis cadence, standardizes architecture for annual Moon landings

February 27, 2026, 7:34 PM EST. NASA announced a push to accelerate the Artemis program, standardizing vehicle configuration, adding a 2027 mission, and planning at least one surface lunar landing each year thereafter. Artemis II remains on the near-term schedule, while Artemis III shifts to 2027 to test low-Earth orbit operations ahead of a 2028 Artemis IV lunar landing. The plan calls for rendezvous and docking with one or both commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, in-space tests of docked vehicles, integrated life-support and propulsion checks, and tests of new xEVA (spacewalk gear) suits. NASA will finalize objectives after reviews with industry partners. A new workforce directive emphasizes in-house development and closer collaboration with Artemis partners to enable a faster, safer launch cadence. Administrator Jared Isaacman urged standardization and phased objective progression.

Flight 12: Ship 39 rolls out to Masseys for testing, NASASpaceFlight reports

February 27, 2026, 7:32 PM EST. NASASpaceFlight reports that Flight 12’s Ship 39 rolled out to Masseys to begin testing. The term rolled out means the unit moved from fabrication or storage to the testing area. Ship 39 is a designated unit in the program, and this rollout marks the start of its formal evaluation before broader tests. No public timeline or detailed test plan was provided, and officials did not specify the tests in scope. The update offers a narrow, first glimpse of progress for the program, with attribution to NASASpaceFlight.

NordSpace forms corporate venture fund to back Canadian spacetech startups

February 27, 2026, 7:30 PM EST. NordSpace has launched NordSpace Ventures, making it the first space-launch startup to form a corporate venture capital (CVC) arm. The unit, unveiled with its debut investment, aims to fund Canadian startups that align with NordSpace’s launch activities and to bolster Canada’s spacetech ecosystem. NordSpace, founded in 2022, has developed its own orbital launcher and satellites and operates the country’s first spaceport. The fund seeks to back teams that can help Canadian payloads fly on Canadian rockets from Canadian soil. Founder Rahul Goel says the goal goes beyond financial returns, emphasizing sovereignty and domestic capability. Wyvern, which develops unfolding camera tech for hyperspectral imagery and runs a satellite constellation, is its first portfolio company. The move marks the first CVC by a space-tech startup, with access to NordSpace’s facilities, launch services, and a government/defence network.

Top Stock Reports Spotlight NVIDIA, Microsoft and JPMorgan

February 27, 2026, 7:24 PM EST. Zacks Research Daily curates new research on 16 major stocks, including NVIDIA (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM), plus two micro-caps SGU and JVA. Microcap coverage is described as unique, with roughly 70 reports published today. The package also features an Ahead of Wall Street preview before the open. In pre-market notes, NVIDIA has rallied about +44% over the past year, versus a +45.1% gain for the sector, underpinned by AI and GPU demand, including the Hopper/Blackwell architectures, and an Ada RTX workstation ramp with automaker collaborations; risks include limited Blackwell supply, higher AI costs and US-China frictions amid AMD competition. Microsoft registers a -0.2% YoY change, with AI momentum via Copilot, Azure expansion and Office 365 demand lifting productivity revenue; ARPU rises via E5 and Copilot uptake, while Azure growth guidance hints at 37-38% deceleration for Q3.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic on sale at Amazon for $369.99, $130 off

February 27, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Mashable reports the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is on sale at Amazon for $369.99, a 26% discount that saves $130 from the $499.99 list price. The Bluetooth smartwatch is priced under $400. Deal pricing and availability can change after publication; readers should verify current terms.

Sam Altman backs Anthropic in Pentagon AI clash as tech workers urge DoD-contract firms to refuse demands

February 27, 2026, 7:20 PM EST. Sam Altman backs Anthropic in the AI battlefield row with the Pentagon. On Friday morning, groups representing roughly 700,000 tech workers at Amazon, Google, and Microsoft-all with contracts with the Defense Department-signed an open letter urging their employers to refuse to comply with the Pentagon’s demands. The letter signals industry pushback over government requests tied to AI deployment and governance, with Altman’s support for Anthropic placing the dispute at the center of a broader industry debate.

SpaceX ends February with three Starlink launches, boosting constellation past 9,850 satellites

February 27, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. SpaceX wrapped up February with three Starlink launches in a week. A Falcon 9 lifted 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral’s SLC-40 on Feb. 24. The next day, a separate Falcon 9 deployed 25 Starlink units from Vandenberg’s SLC-4E. On Feb. 27, a third Falcon 9 carried 29 more satellites from Cape Canaveral. All missions delivered their payloads to the planned orbit, and the first stages returned to Earth aboard drone ships: B1092 landed on Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic, B1093 on Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific, and B1069 on A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic, in their 10th, 11th and 30th flights, respectively. The three launches push the constellation past 9,850 active Starlink satellites in orbit.

Musk warns Tesla employees over the future of German megafactory

February 27, 2026, 7:10 PM EST. Elon Musk warned Tesla employees about the future of the company’s German megafactory. The remarks, delivered amid uncertainty, set a cautious tone for the project’s prospects in Europe. Tesla declined to comment beyond noting ongoing development in Germany. The briefing underscores how the company’s expansion abroad remains a focal point for investors and workers alike. Elon Musk, Tesla, and Germany appear as key terms as the company navigates funding, supply chain, and regulatory challenges while pursuing its expansion plans.

Nvidia vs. TSMC: Which semiconductor stock offers the better AI upside

February 27, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. Semiconductors have surged. The PHLX Semiconductor index is up about 175% over three years, outpacing the S&P 500’s 70% gain. Nvidia has soared about 700% in that span, while TSMC has gained roughly 311% as the world’s largest foundry. Nvidia’s run is driven by demand for its GPU chips powering AI infrastructure, even as TSMC monetizes secular chip demand by manufacturing for others, including Nvidia. Consensus calls for TSMC earnings to rise about 34% in 2026, while Nvidia could see about 66% growth in fiscal 2027, reflecting its dominant 81% share of the AI chip market. The AI-related data centers cycle supports Nvidia’s upside, with capex potentially at $3-$4 trillion by 2030. For reliability and breadth, TSMC’s diversified client base matters too.

Apple confirms ‘Big Week’ as iPhone 17e, iPads and M5 Macs loom

February 27, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. Apple kicks off a ‘big week’ with a Monday morning tease from Tim Cook, signaling daily product reveals through Wednesday, March 4. The plan centers on the iPhone 17e, multiple iPads and a refreshed line of Macs. The first device is expected to be the 12th-generation iPad, likely swapping the A16 for an A18 chip with up to 8GB RAM and possibly an N1 wireless modem. An iPad Air with an M4 chip and potential color tweaks are also on the menu. Mac updates include MacBook Air in 13- and 15-inch forms with M5, plus MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max and a new laptop. Apple’s event at 9 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, March 4, is billed as a single, large reveal with timing kept consistent across days.

California under fire over Tesla voucher program; critics accuse CARB of favoritism

February 27, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Critics allege California’s roughly $165 million voucher program for Tesla’s Semi awards an unfair advantage, potentially undermining air-quality goals. The Los Angeles Times cites CARB (California Air Resources Board) and its partner CALSTART (a nonprofit that supports clean-vehicle programs) as giving Tesla priority despite production delays and questions about certifications. A rival executive asks how Tesla can meet requirements while others struggle. “If this doesn’t get corrected, our whole industry will just go down the toilet,” said Peter Tawil of RIZON. Supporters say electrification helps curb emissions; the state argues ending the 100-voucher cap expands fleet options. Critics warn large manufacturers could monopolize the program, prompting calls for reforms in incentive oversight and accountability. The dispute underscores tension between policy aims and market competition.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup keeps familiar design while boosting storage, charging and AI features

February 27, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. Samsung unveiled its Galaxy S26 trio at Unpacked, sticking to the familiar design while pushing software and AI tweaks. All three models start at 256GB storage. Charging scales from 25W on the S26 to 45W on the S26+ and 60W on the Ultra, with no charger included in the box. Battery capacities edge up to 4,300mAh (S26), 4,900mAh (S26+), and 5,000mAh (Ultra). All run the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and emphasize on-device AI within One UI. The Ultra adds a Privacy Display feature that dims the screen when viewed from the side; the S26 and S26+ lack this option. Samsung preserves the line’s conservative look, delivering iterative upgrades rather than a radical redesign.

Defense Dept. threatens Anthropic over AI guardrails, testing national-security tradeoffs

February 27, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. In a closed-door exchange, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded Anthropic strip guardrails from Claude AI by Friday or face the Defense Production Act and a potential supply-chain designation. Anthropic refused, saying it defends democracy but that in a narrow set of cases AI can undermine democratic values. The firm has carved exemptions for missile defense and cyberoperations, arguing that reliable autonomy needs a human in the loop. The core fault line is domestic surveillance: the DOD seeks all lawful uses of the models, a power that could map dissent and press constitutional protections. Amodei warned the scale of AI changes what is permissible, and the threats do not alter their stance. The dispute underscores how to manage national-security risks while preserving safe research.

Samsung Galaxy update removes recovery menu tools, fueling sideloading questions

February 27, 2026, 6:48 PM EST. Samsung’s latest Galaxy updates remove several Android recovery menu tools in One UI 8.5. The changes eliminate Apply update from ADB, Apply update from SD card, Wipe cache partition, View recovery logs, Run graphics test, and Run locale test. Only Reboot system now, Wipe data/factory reset, and Power off remain. 9to5Google confirms these tools persist on the Galaxy S26 Ultra in the January 2026 patch, but GalaxyClub reports February 2026 patch removes them. The update notes that downgrades will not be possible due to changes in security policy. Samsung has not issued an official explanation. Some observers speculate the move could tighten security amid concerns about leaks and sideloading, though no definitive motive has been confirmed.

SpaceX Falcon 9 set for Friday launch near sunrise from Cape Canaveral

February 27, 2026, 6:46 PM EST. SpaceX plans a dawn launch Friday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as a Falcon 9 lifts a Starlink payload into low Earth orbit during a four-hour launch window from 4:52 a.m. to 8:52 a.m. Sunrise occurs at 6:49 a.m. The Starlink 6-108 mission will deploy 29 satellites after a southeast track from Launch Complex 40. Following stage separation, the first stage will attempt a landing on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic, avoiding Central Florida sonic booms. This would be the 14th orbital launch of 2026 from these facilities; last year set a record of 109 launches. Florida Today will provide live coverage starting 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space, with another Starlink mission planned for Sunday, March 1, 7:07-11:07 p.m.

SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch 29 Starlink satellites during Friday sunrise at Cape Canaveral

February 27, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Sunrise is 6:49 a.m. Friday at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch in a four-hour window from 4:52 a.m. to 8:52 a.m. The rocket will deploy 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 40, with the first stage aiming for a landing on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic. No Central Florida sonic booms are expected. The mission would be the 14th orbital launch of 2026 from the Space Force installation and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, following last year’s 109 launches. A second Starlink mission is planned Sunday, March 1, from LC-40, 7:07 p.m. to 11:07 p.m. Florida Today will provide coverage 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Could Lift Qualcomm Shares, Analysts Say

February 27, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. Investors will be watching the launch of a Galaxy device powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a premium chip from Qualcomm. Analysts say a successful rollout could act as a catalyst for QCOM shares if demand and production stay on track. The impact hinges on timing, device specs, margins and carrier uptake, plus how the chip stacks up against rivals. A Galaxy reveal would underscore Qualcomm’s ongoing strength in 5G connectivity and AI-enabled subtasks inside flagship smartphones, even as supply constraints and pricing pressure remain headwinds. No guarantees of a surge, but a device-cycle event often translates into fresh investor attention and potential upside for the stock.

Can Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy launch boost QCOM shares

February 27, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Analysts say a Samsung rollout of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the Galaxy family could lift Qualcomm stock if it signals broader premium SoC wins. The chip aims to power flagship phones with faster AI, photography, and gaming. A wider device cadence would bolster licensing and royalty revenue, alongside potential hardware demand for baseband and modem components. Samsung has alternated between Snapdragon and its own Exynos chips, depending on region; a sustained push for Snapdragon would be a material shift in that strategy. Investors will look for official confirmation from Samsung and details on supply terms. In the near term, shares could trade on the probability of a Galaxy launch and competition from rivals.

IDC: Smartphone sales to drop 12.9% in 2026 amid RAM shortage; Apple and Samsung insulated

February 27, 2026, 6:36 PM EST. IDC cuts its 2026 smartphone forecast to a 12.9% year-over-year drop, worse than its prior range. The driver is a global memory shortage tied to surging AI demand, with much memory already earmarked for production. Smaller Android vendors face higher costs and thin margins, likely passing costs to consumers; the MEA region could fall about 20.6%. Apple and Samsung are seen as better insulated, potentially gaining share as rivals struggle. Western Digital has already sold out supply for 2026, underscoring tightness. IDC notes the ASP could rise about 14% to $523, and the sub-$100 segment (roughly 171 million devices) may become permanently uneconomical, with memory prices stabilizing mid-2027.

Block axes ‘nearly half’ of workforce in AI pivot, Dorsey signals shift

February 27, 2026, 6:32 PM EST. Block laid off more than 4,000 employees, roughly half its workforce, as CEO Jack Dorsey steers the company toward AI tools. In a memo, Dorsey said the move isn’t a sign of trouble and that the business remains strong, with growing gross profit. The layoffs are paired with a severance package: 20 weeks’ pay, plus an extra week per year worked, stock benefits through May, six months of health coverage, and a $5,000 transition payment; international staff receive similar terms. The company will hold a live video session to thank departing workers. Shares rose about 24% after the announcement. Dorsey framed the pivot as building with intelligence at the core, while preserving the ability for customers to use Block’s tools to create features for services like Cash App, Square, and Afterpay.

IDC: 2026 smartphone sales to fall 12.9% on RAM shortage; Apple, Samsung better positioned

February 27, 2026, 6:30 PM EST. IDC now expects smartphone shipments to fall 12.9% in 2026, worse than its November projection of 0.9%-5.2%. The crunch comes from a RAM-and-memory shortage driven by demand for generative AI; essentially all memory for 2026 is spoken for, IDC says. The hit will hurt lower-end devices, with Middle East and Africa expected to shrink about 20.6% year over year as vendors pass higher costs to consumers. Apple and Samsung appear better positioned to weather the shock, while smaller Android players could lose market share. IDC also sees the average selling price rising about $523-a ~14% gain-while the sub-$100 segment (roughly 171 million devices) becomes permanently uneconomical.

Block trims more than 4,000 roles as Dorsey pushes AI tools

February 27, 2026, 6:26 PM EST. Block chief executive Jack Dorsey told staff the company would take on risk by investing in ‘intelligence tools’ while cutting more than 4,000 jobs. He said the move isn’t a sign the business is in trouble; profits are rising and customer numbers growing. The layoffs aim to enable a smaller team to integrate AI capabilities more quickly, he said. Block also outlined severance: 20 weeks of pay, plus an extra week per year of service, and continued stock benefits through May, six months of health coverage, and a $5,000 transition stipend. US and international packages vary. Shares jumped about 24% after the news. Dorsey plans a live video session to thank departing employees and pledged to build the company with intelligence at the core.

HMD Luma: 4G phone with 50MP camera, 3.5mm jack and microSD slot

February 27, 2026, 6:24 PM EST. HMD introduced the Luma, a 4G phone positioned near the Vibe but with a lower-end Unisoc T615. It runs Android 15, ships with 4GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage and carries a microSD slot. The device sticks to older audio features, including a 3.5mm jack and an FM radio, with Bluetooth 5.0 and stereo speakers. A 6.67-inch LCD displays at 720×1,604 with a 120Hz refresh rate. Power comes from a 5000mAh battery, charged via USB-C at up to 18W. It’s a 4G, dual-SIM phone with USB-C 2.0. The camera is a step up over the Vibe 4G, offering a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP selfie cam. Colors are Titanium and Blue. Availability is shown in Nigeria and Ghana; price remains undisclosed; teasers say “coming soon.”

HMD Luma debuts as 4G Android phone with 50MP camera, microSD slot

February 27, 2026, 6:16 PM EST. HMD on Tuesday announced the Luma, a budget 4G Android phone. It runs Android 15 on a Unisoc T615 with 4GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage plus a microSD slot. Legacy features include a 3.5mm jack and an FM radio; Bluetooth 5.0 and stereo speakers are on board. A 5,000mAh battery powers USB-C 2.0 with up to 18W charging. The 6.67-inch LCD screen offers 720×1,604 pixels at 120Hz. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP selfie camera. It is a dual-SIM 4G device. Available in Titanium and Blue, the phone surfaced on HMD sites in Nigeria and Ghana, with no price listed; a teaser on Instagram says it is “coming soon.”

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI amid Pentagon clash

February 27, 2026, 6:14 PM EST. President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. federal agencies to immediately stop using Anthropic’s AI technology, with a six-month transition for agencies including the Pentagon. The move follows a dispute over restrictions the military sought on usage. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth said he would designate Anthropic a Supply-Chain Risk to National Security after the company refused those demands. Anthropic had a $200 million Pentagon contract in July and argued its models should not be used for fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. The Pentagon set a 5:01 p.m. ET deadline for acceptance; it passed without an agreement. Trump reiterated on Truth Social that the administration will not do business with Anthropic again.

Trump orders federal agencies to halt Anthropic AI tech, six-month DoD phase-out

February 27, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. President Donald Trump directed every U.S. agency to immediately cease using Anthropic’s AI technology, with a six-month phase-out for the Defense Department. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth said he would designate Anthropic a Supply-Chain Risk to National Security after the startup refused to meet use restrictions. Anthropic, which signed a $200 million Pentagon contract in July, sought assurances its models would not power fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. The Pentagon set a 5:01 p.m. ET deadline for an agreement; it passed without one. Hegseth characterized Anthropic’s stance as incompatible with American principles and said the relationship with the U.S. armed forces would be permanently altered. Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei said the Defense Department may choose contractors but cannot exercise unlimited use.

Sony’s second-gen PSSR upscaler debuts in PS5 Pro’s Resident Evil Requiem

February 27, 2026, 5:58 PM EST. Sony confirms the PS5 Pro version of Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem uses the second-generation PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler, built on AMD’s FSR4. The feature arrives as a developer-integrated option and a system-level toggle to swap older PSSR implementations in existing games. Caution remains: results vary by title, and early PSSR tests showed noise and artefacts in foliage and ray-traced scenes. In RE Requiem, the RT mode upscales from slightly above 1080p to 4K, delivering 60fps with improved edge clarity, while some noise stems from Capcom’s denoising rather than PSSR itself. Compared with DLSS and FSR4, newer upscalers can retain more resolution in motion, but the new PSSR avoids ghosting. Observers Battaglia, Linneman and Mackenzie provided the perspective.

HoloLens finds second home in U.S. military as cargo-inspection tool

February 27, 2026, 5:56 PM EST. Microsoft’s HoloLens is finding a second home in the U.S. military as a remote cargo-inspection tool. After the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) failed in battlefield tests, the AR goggles are being repurposed rather than scrapped. The Air Force and Army teamed to let airmen view pallets through soldiers’ eyes, using a HoloLens, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a laptop, then guide rigging with visual cues. In Aviano, Italy, the 724th Air Mobility Squadron worked with the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade to speed inspection ahead of aircraft loading. The effort, described as plug-and-play by Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Sewejkis, aims to increase maneuver speed to sustain joint lethality. A Pentagon watchdog flagged mission-affecting physical impairments during IVAS testing.

OpenAI fires employee over prediction market insider trading probe

February 27, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. OpenAI terminated an employee after an internal probe into activity on prediction markets such as Polymarket. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s chief of applications, informed staff the worker used confidential OpenAI information for personal gain in external markets. Kayla Wood, a company spokesperson, said policies prohibit using confidential information for personal gain. OpenAI did not name the employee or disclose trades. Evidence suggests the issue is not isolated. Polymarket runs on the Polygon blockchain, making wallets traceable. Unusual Whales flagged 77 positions across 60 wallet addresses tied to OpenAI-themed events since March 2023. Bets around GPT-5, the ChatGPT Browser, and Altman’s status coincided with notable profits, prompting warnings about insider trading risk in prediction markets. Analysts say the clustering pattern can signal information leakage.

FCC approves Charter’s $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox, creating the largest US broadband provider

February 27, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. The FCC approved Charter Communications’ $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, uniting two major broadband brands under the Spectrum banner and expanding Charter to roughly 37 million customers. The deal makes Charter the largest US broadband provider, with Cox’s 6.5 million customers joining Charter’s 31 million. Analysts say there is little overlap in service areas, limiting concerns about reduced competition in key markets, though consumer advocates argue the merger could raise prices down the line. Some price comparisons show Spectrum charging higher rates than Cox after 1-2 years. Charter also pledged to relocate offshore jobs to the US within 18 months and to maintain a 100% US-based workforce as of the end of 2025. Critics call for more consumer protections.

New Jersey hospital uses AI, photon-counting CT for clearer heart screenings

February 27, 2026, 5:50 PM EST. New Jersey’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center is deploying AI-assisted imaging to sharpen heart screenings. A high-resolution photon-counting CT scanner-the first in the state-pinpoints where calcium and plaque block blood flow and characterizes blockages in precise detail. AI analysis translates images into actionable guidance for diagnostic tests and procedures. Interventional cardiologist Jeffrey Selan says the technology offers an early-detection roadmap for treating coronary disease. The system augments traditional scans with higher resolution and material detail, helping doctors plan tools and approaches before entering the operating room. The scans are typically covered by insurance. About 20 similar photon-counting CT scanners are in use in the greater Philadelphia-New York region, with broader availability expected as hospitals adopt the tech. Dr. Selan calls it the potential standard of non-invasive cardiac imaging.

Nothing reveals Phone (4a) design, pink variant signals playful mid-range debut

February 27, 2026, 5:44 PM EST. Nothing has unveiled the design of its Phone (4a), introducing a pink variation and a continued transparent casing with visible screws. The reveal comes as Nothing prepares for a public launch on 5 March and a preview at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona starting 2 March. Renders and videos posted on X and YouTube show the mid-range device in line with the (a) series, including a new glyph interface on the back powered by a strip of mini-LEDs. The pink color, described as an iconoclastic nod to an expressive tech era, is supported by a guerrilla graffiti campaign in London. Designers say the pink line adds depth through glass, resin and metal finishes; the glyph bar supports messages, a camera countdown and a sand-hour timer.

Trump phone resembles HTC U24 Pro, fueling questions about design origin

February 27, 2026, 5:38 PM EST. New details suggest the Trump phone’s final design mirrors HTC’s U24 Pro. A reader tip traced a similar angled frame, curved display, and a distinctive top sensor layout across both phones. An analyst-like tone is careful: HTC confirms it does not design phones for third parties, but that does not rule out a separate contractor producing both devices. The U24 Pro, launched in 2024 at €549 (roughly $600), marked HTC’s fading hardware comeback after selling much of its phone business to Google in 2017. Observers note shared traits including a three-part sensor bar, power/volume button antenna lines, and a headphone jack with microSD support. No conclusive linkage claimed; both devices’ origins remain uncertain.

Blender halts iPad native version, shifts focus to Android tablets

February 27, 2026, 5:32 PM EST. Blender has put a native iPad version on hold, according to the development team. The project was announced last July as a first step toward an iPad Pro build with a multitouch interface and Apple Pencil Pro support, but no release timeline was given. A January GitHub status update said the iPad effort is on hold ‘until further notice.’ Blender developer Dalai Felinto later indicated the team is now prioritizing Android tablets. The company had shown a live demonstration at SIGGRAPH in Vancouver, suggesting the project isn’t dead. For now, Blender’s latest Apple Silicon Macs build remains available for free on its site. The shift comes as developers balance platforms and resources.

Lenovo readies Legion Go Fold, a foldable Windows gaming handheld, for MWC 2026

February 27, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. Lenovo is preparing to unveil the Legion Go Fold, a foldable Windows gaming handheld concept at MWC 2026. The device adds a POLED (plastic OLED) display to the original Legion Go and uses modular controllers. Sources say the unit features an 11.6-inch foldable panel, about 7.7 inches when closed. In handheld mode it resembles a conventional gaming handheld with controllers on both sides; when unfolded, it supports a vertical split-screen for gaming and chat, or a horizontal 11.6-inch gaming view. Lenovo outfits it with detachable wireless controllers and a wireless keyboard with a touchpad. The right controller reportedly has its own small screen for performance data and can act as a desk mouse. Specs include an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, and a 48Wh battery. Lenovo frames it as a concept, not a consumer product.

Apple Watch SE 3 edges Series 11 on value in hands-on test

February 27, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. In a hands-on test of Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11, the SE 3 delivers the best value for most users. It gains the S10 chip, longer battery life, and an always-on display, while keeping a familiar design and most of the Series 11’s features at a lower price. The Series 11 remains the more capable model with 5G connectivity, a broader health-sensor suite, and a brighter screen, but its higher price-especially for larger cases or titanium versions-limits its value proposition. Both watches offer solid health tracking and strong battery life, but the SE 3’s combination of performance and affordability wins the verdict. The test highlights timing and price as the deciding factors for buyers.

Tesla lacks parental controls for in-car internet, sparking safety concerns

February 27, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Lindsey told the Daily Citizen that Tesla’s built-in console gives drivers access to streaming, social apps and the in-car internet but offers no parental controls. A Tesla representative suggested she learn how to clear the browser history rather than block sites. Tesla does offer some parental features-speed limits for teens, location monitoring and what passengers hear in the car-but not tools to curb internet access while driving. Lindsey says the omission isn’t accidental, arguing that easy history clearing and its absence from standard data reports look deliberate. The case highlights a broader challenge for families navigating connected devices: smart cars can expose children to online content when protections exist on home networks, TVs or phones. The debate underscores online-safety questions in vehicles.

Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup adds AI features and first privacy screen on Ultra

February 27, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 trio at a San Francisco Unpacked event, touting enhanced AI features across the line. The standout is the world’s first privacy screen, exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, designed to prevent over-the-shoulder viewing and adjustable by app. The three phones come with Samsung’s Galaxy AI, Bixby, Google Gemini and Perplexity integrations to translate, summarize and search. A feature called Now Nudge analyzes typing to suggest actions, while Circle to Search gains multi-object recognition for shopping from photos. The Gemini voice assistant can order rides or meals via limited third-party apps. Pricing starts at $899.99 for the S26, $1,099.99 for the S26+, and $1,299.99 for the Ultra, with preorders now and shipments beginning March 11.

Google launches Nano Banana 2 AI image generator with faster rendering and broader output options

February 27, 2026, 5:12 PM EST. Google unveiled Nano Banana 2, an AI image generator that the company says can deliver consistent results across scenes, supporting up to five characters per prompt and as many as 14 objects per workflow. The update adds richer textures and more vibrant lighting to aid visual storytelling, and broadens the range of aspect ratios and resolutions from 512px square to 4K widescreen. Google published example prompts to illustrate capabilities, including a top-down water-cycle infographic and a Synthetic Cubism museum image. The company framed Nano Banana 2 as a natural evolution of a popular model, noting improvements align with prior iterations. No price or rollout date was disclosed.

Amazon could join the $3 trillion club on AI-fueled AWS growth

February 27, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. Amazon could be the next to join the $3 trillion club, propelled by AI-driven growth at AWS. The cloud unit remains the world’s largest, expanding from storage to a broad AI portfolio, including Bedrock foundation models and in-house Nova models. Amazon also developed its own chips, including Trainium (with Trainium2 and Trainium3 delivering higher price performance). In 2025, AWS generated $128.7 billion in revenue and grew 17% year over year in Q1, rising to 24% by Q4 amid AI demand. A $244 billion backlog at year-end, up 40% year over year, supports a planned $200 billion capex in 2026 to add data-center capacity. E-commerce remains the main revenue source, but its margins are thin; AWS accounted for 57% of operating income on $716.9 billion in total revenue. At $2.25 trillion today, a 33% rise could vault Amazon into the club.

Google winds down Pixel Studio, directs users to Nano Banana in Gemini

February 27, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. Google is winding down Pixel Studio, the image editor introduced with the Pixel 9 in 2024. In a Pixel 9/ Pixel 10 update, the app loses prompt-based image generation and the sticker creator, leaving only cropping, drawing, highlighting and text. Google says it will redirect users to Nano Banana in Gemini and provide an export tool for existing creations, with the transition played out over time. Existing Pixel Studio integrations will continue to work on current devices for now. The company is shifting focus to image-generation features like Remix in Google Messages and the AI tools in Google Photos, while Nano Banana 2 has just debuted in Gemini. Pixel Studio still runs on Imagen 4.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 rumored features: health sensors, design changes, Touch ID, power efficiency

February 27, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. Digitimes, citing supply-chain sources, says the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could double its sensor components, adding health-tracking improvements and possibly Touch ID. The upgrade is also expected to bring exterior design alterations, though the extent remains unclear after earlier reports of a significant redesign. Evidence of Touch ID appears in leaked Apple code tied to 2026 models, with possibilities for the side button, Digital Crown, or Action button integration. A new S-class chip and related sensors are cited as drivers of power efficiency gains, potentially boosting battery life or allowing a smaller battery layout. The launch is planned for this fall, about six months away. Apple has previously pursued blood sugar monitoring, but it is not expected this year.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 review: titanium build, marathon tools, but GPS gaps persist

February 27, 2026, 5:02 PM EST. Huawei returns with the GT Runner 2, a hardware leap that adds a titanium chassis, a 3,000-nit display and a software suite tuned for 26.2 miles. The look and feel sit well inside Huawei’s wearables, but it still reads like a smartwatch rather than a dedicated running watch. Marathon mode shows promise, and the light build is comfortable, yet GPS can stumble in dense urban canyons and heart-rate readings wobble. At its price, it faces stiff competition from Garmin and Coros. The 3D floating antenna marks progress, and non-running features add value, but the companion app remains busy and the US launch is blocked by trade restrictions, limiting adoption in key markets.

NVIDIA posts 65% revenue rise in fiscal 2026; guides to about $78B next quarter

February 27, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. NVIDIA reported fourth-quarter revenue of $68.1 billion, up 20% sequential and 73% year over year, with fiscal 2026 revenue of $215.9 billion, up 65%. GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS for the quarter were $1.76 and $1.62; for the year, $4.90 and $4.77. The company returned $41.1 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2026 and had $58.5 billion remaining under its buyback authorization. CEO Jensen Huang cited rising enterprise demand for AI compute. NVIDIA guided for fiscal Q1 2027 revenue around $78.0 billion, excluding China data-center compute, with gross margins around 74.9%-75.0% and stock-based comp affecting ~0.1%. Operating expenses seen at $7.7B (GAAP) and $7.5B (non-GAAP), including $1.9B SBC. HSBC cut its price target to $310 (Buy).

Apple Vision Pro taps JPL for Amalthea moon environment on Jupiter

February 27, 2026, 4:44 PM EST. Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset adds an interactive environment on Jupiter’s moon Amalthea, built with help from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The team, including Dr. Cynthia Phillips, used scientific input to model Amalthea as a rubble pile of rocks bound by ice rather than a core, improving textures and lighting. The result moves beyond static backdrops to a believable scene with floating menus, dynamic shadows and real-time audio cues. Apple designer Matt Dessero calls this the first interactive environment for the platform, aiming to heighten immersion even when there’s no real-world reference. The project shows Apple’s willingness to work with scientists to ground virtual experiences in real physics.

Apple, Netflix team up to broadcast Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in U.S.

February 27, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Apple and Netflix will co-broadcast the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in the United States, with live coverage on Apple TV and Netflix. Netflix will stream the full race weekend – practice, qualifying and the Grand Prix on May 24 – live on its platform. The deal also promotes Drive to Survive Season 8 (eight episodes on the 2025 season), available to Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. and Netflix users globally; Season 8 premieres February 27. Apple plans a cross-channel push for F1 across Apple News, Maps, Music and Fitness+, plus in-store promotion. Under a multi-year deal, Apple TV replaces ESPN as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster for all 24 races, estimated at about $150 million per season. Netflix previously eyed F1 rights in 2022.

CNBC Investing Club updates Fourth Industrial Revolution AI stocks; Nvidia leads the AI basket

February 27, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. At CNBC Investing Club’s February Monthly Meeting, Jim Cramer and the Portfolio Analysis director ran through the portfolio, with a spotlight on the Fourth Industrial Revolution stocks within the AI trade, a label borrowed from Nvidia’s Jensen Huang. Nvidia remains the gold standard in AI computing, delivering strong results and guidance despite brief post-earnings drifts. Corning, after a Kentucky factory visit, is aligned with data-center ambitions, fiber optics and a copper-to-optics shift. Qnity Electronics, spun off from DuPont, has produced outsized gains and merit staying invested. Eaton benefits from data-center cooling links and plans to spin off eMobility; GE Vernova sells turbines and nuclear potential. Alphabet stands out with YouTube, cloud, Waymo, Gemini, and a Google Search cash flow, while awaiting a pullback to $300. Amazon remains a core position with AWS and Prime; the briefing truncated on ad remarks.

SpaceX could seek IPO valuation above $1.75 trillion, Bloomberg says

February 27, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. SpaceX is weighing a confidential filing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the rocket and satellite company at more than $1.75 trillion, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. The filing could come as soon as March and would rank among the largest IPOs in history. SpaceX did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. The report notes SpaceX has also acquired Elon Musk’s artificial-intelligence startup xAI. If pursued, the listing would mark a major expansion for Musk’s tech ventures and a milestone in commercial space activity; Bloomberg cautioned plans are early and subject to change.

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, deploying 29 Starlink satellites

February 27, 2026, 4:28 PM EST. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast early Friday, delivering a batch of 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The lift-off occurred at 7:16 a.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, continuing the constellation’s rollout to expand SpaceX’s global internet network. The mission, another Starlink deployment, underscores the ongoing effort to provide broadband with lower latency worldwide. A recap video is available with coverage.

Apple TV+ March 2026 slate: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters S2, Imperfect Women, For All Mankind S5

February 27, 2026, 4:26 PM EST. Apple TV+ rolls out a March slate heavy on sci-fi and thriller premieres. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 drops weekly after a Feb. 27 debut, introducing Titan X and scarabs that bring monsters to eye level with humans. Imperfect Women, an unconventional thriller starring Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara, debuts its first two episodes on March 18, with new installments weekly through April 29. The second half of Shrinking season 3 lands in March, along with new episodes of The Last Thing He Told Me. Wrapping the month, For All Mankind season 5 premieres March 27. Apple TV+ emphasizes quality storytelling with monster battles, interplanetary drama and ensemble mysteries.

No, Galaxy S26 not yet supporting AirDrop via Quick Share

February 27, 2026, 4:24 PM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series does not currently support AirDrop via Samsung’s Quick Share, despite earlier leaks. Google’s Pixel line now supports AirDrop with iPhone, iPad and Mac via Quick Share. In the latest software build, Apple devices in “Everyone” mode do not appear as share targets, nor can a Galaxy S26 be shared to from iPhone. A leak by @chunvn8888 suggested One UI 8.5 adds AirDrop, but that version isn’t live on S26 yet. The leaker told 9to5Google the screenshot was an early test unit day before Samsung’s launch event. If it arrives, it could come in a future One UI 8.5 update, likely weeks away. Samsung’s rollout history remains unpredictable. The Galaxy S26 is available for pre-order with perks; store shelves open March 11.

700 Wh/kg lithium metal battery could upgrade EVs, Chinese researchers say

February 27, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. Chinese researchers report a lithium metal battery with energy density above 700 Wh/kg and stable performance at ultralow temperatures, a potential boost for EVs. The study, published in Nature, was led by Chen Jun of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Nankai University. The team replaced oxygen with fluorine in the electrolyte, creating fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent molecules and a lithium-fluorine coordination system that improves ion transfer. Lab tests show densities above 700 Wh/kg and roughly 400 Wh/kg at -50 C. Chen says this addresses the energy-density and cold-weather bottlenecks hindering EV adoption. Separately, the team collaborated with Hongqi on a mass-producible ultrahigh-energy lithium-rich manganese system exceeding 500 Wh/kg, suggesting ranges over 1,000 km per charge for equipped cars. Yan Zhenhua notes current Li-ion cells run about 160-300 Wh/kg and operate from -20 C to -30 C.

Apple Wallet expands systemwide credit card AutoFill in iOS 26

February 27, 2026, 4:16 PM EST. Apple’s iOS 26 broadens systemwide AutoFill to include credit cards, allowing users to fill in card details across apps and websites without typing. Practically, you tap a text field, choose AutoFill, select Credit Card, and pick the card you want. It works anywhere, speeding up checkouts. Setup lives in the Wallet app: tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then select AutoFill; after authenticating with Face ID or Touch ID, you’ll see saved cards. Cards may come from earlier Safari AutoFill or Apple Pay imports. You can add new cards with the camera or manual entry. With iOS 26, AutoFill becomes a systemwide tool, reducing manual entry across devices and apps.

ASPA: Validating the Internet path to curb route leaks

February 27, 2026, 4:14 PM EST. ASPA (Autonomous System Provider Authorization) adds path verification to the existing RPKI framework. ROA records certify which AS is allowed to originate a prefix; ASPA records confirm the upstream path an AS may use. When data traverses the Internet, the AS_PATH is checked against ASPA records to prevent detours. Cloudflare Radar now offers a deployment-monitoring view to track ASPA adoption across the five RIRs and at individual Autonomous Systems. The goal is to curb route leaks and misrouting, complementing origin-validation via ROA. The industry is moving toward end-to-end path security, but deployment remains uneven and incremental.

Samsung: S Pen will stay a core feature as new display tech under development

February 27, 2026, 4:12 PM EST. Samsung’s COO Won-Joon Choi told Bloomberg that the S Pen will remain a core feature and appear on future devices. He said the company is pursuing a new display technology to keep stylus use viable, hinting at a redesigned surface that reduces the penalties of using the S Pen. The remarks come as Samsung trimmed S Pen features in some Galaxy updates and after removing the digitizer layer from the Galaxy Z Fold 7-the component that detects stylus input-temporarily dropping S Pen support. A review could bring S Pen compatibility to upcoming foldables, possibly the Galaxy S Ultra, if the tech proves viable, with a return rumor for a Galaxy Z Wide Fold later this year.

OpenAI closes $110 billion funding round with backing from Amazon, Nvidia and SoftBank

February 27, 2026, 4:08 PM EST. OpenAI said it raised $110 billion in a funding round described as its largest to date. Amazon invested $50 billion, Nvidia $30 billion and SoftBank $30 billion, lifting OpenAI’s pre-money valuation to about $730 billion. The round follows a $500 billion valuation in a previous financing, and the company expects additional investors to join as the round progresses. Separately, Amazon announced a multiyear strategic partnership that expands its $38 billion AWS deal by $100 billion over the next eight years, and makes AWS the exclusive cloud provider for OpenAI’s enterprise Frontier platform. The terms of Microsoft’s longstanding backing remain unchanged, though Microsoft could participate in the round. Sam Altman praised the deal; Andy Jassy called OpenAI a long-term winner.

Micron memory spotted in NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs as supplier diversification continues

February 27, 2026, 4:06 PM EST. Micron memory chips have appeared in NVIDIA’s RTX 50-series GPUs as the company diversifies its DRAM suppliers amid a global shortage. The first Micron GDDR7 modules were spotted on a GALAX GeForce RTX 5060 Black OC V2 in a teardown by Quasar Zone. Traditionally, NVIDIA sources memory from Samsung and SK Hynix, but high demand for AI hardware has strained those suppliers. The teardown shows four GDDR7 2GB chips around the substrate, indicating Micron is now a supplier for consumer GPUs. NVIDIA’s move could ease supply constraints and, over time, help stabilize GPU pricing. Analysts note price increases have run about 15% since October 2025, and any relief will likely take time to materialize.

RAM shortage could trigger biggest smartphone shipment drop in over a decade, IDC and Counterpoint warn

February 27, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. A global RAM shortage driven by demand from AI workloads is squeezing memory prices. IDC forecasts a 12.9% year-on-year fall in smartphone shipments this year-the steepest single-year decline in more than a decade. Counterpoint pegs a similar drop, about 12%. IDC said 2025 shipments were 1.26 billion, with 2026 expected near 1.12 billion. The firm calls this a structural reset of the TAM (Total Addressable Market), the vendor landscape and the product mix. It sees ASP (average selling price) rising about 14% to a record $523, while sub-$100 devices become uneconomical. Regions such as MEA and parts of Asia-Pacific face double-digit declines. RAM prices are expected to stabilize by mid-2027.

Washington state hotline mistakenly uses AI voice speaking English with a Spanish accent for Spanish option

February 27, 2026, 3:58 PM EST. Washington state’s Department of Licensing apologized after months of callers selecting the Spanish-language option were greeted by an AI voice speaking English in a heavy Spanish accent. The glitch affects the Spanish option for driver’s license information and other automated services. Maya Edwards, a Washington resident, says her Mexican husband encountered the issue last summer when he pressed ‘two’ for Spanish to avoid long English wait times. He is bilingual but found the English-voice delay unacceptable. Edwards posted a video on TikTok that drew about 2 million views. Officials say they are working to correct the problem, which raises accessibility concerns for non-English speakers.

Used Tesla Model 3 deals fall under $20,000 in 2026

February 27, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Used Tesla Model 3 prices are dipping, with sub-$20,000 examples appearing on CarMax and Carvana lists in 2026. The most affordable unit on CarMax is a 2019 Model 3 Standard Range at $18,998 with about 73,000 miles. Kelley Blue Book data peg a 2019 Standard Range at a fair purchase price around $17,590 and typical listing near $19,240, while original MSRP was about $36,200. Prospective buyers gain affordability, but must weigh battery degradation and draft a reliable charging plan for ongoing EV use. The 2019 Model 3 Standard Range outputs 271 hp, hits 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and offers about 220 miles of range, subject to wear. The Model 3 remains a top seller due to balance, drive, and trims.

Spin-based computing advances reshape energy-efficient architectures, from spintronic neurons to Ising machines

February 27, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. Spin-based computing is gaining traction as a path to energy-efficient, high-performance data processing. Spintronic devices manipulate the collective dynamics of electron spin, offering non-volatile, nonlinear, and fast operation and the potential to couple with photonic and phononic systems. The review surveys advances in integrating magnetic elements into computing architectures, from fundamental components such as RF neurons and synapses to spintronic probabilistic bits. It also covers broader frameworks like reservoir computing and magnetic Ising machines. For each system, the article outlines hardware-specific and task-dependent metrics to assess computing performance and analyzes the physical processes to optimize. It concludes with challenges and opportunities, highlighting spin-based computing as a pillar of next-generation technologies.

Apple bets on Formula 1 as a platform play, not just streaming

February 27, 2026, 3:46 PM EST. Apple is expanding beyond episode-by-episode streaming with a wider push into Formula 1 live events. The deal puts Apple TV+ at the center of a broader platform strategy that could deepen user engagement, unlock live-sport advertising, and funnel new subscribers. The move ties hardware, software, and services as Apple seeks to monetize global audiences through race-day distribution, data, and original programming around F1. While streaming remains core, executives describe the arrangement as an ecosystem play designed to compete for attention in a crowded market.

Samsung rolls out One UI 8.5 Beta 6 to S25 lineup in Europe, Korea, India after Unpacked launch; US next

February 27, 2026, 3:42 PM EST. Samsung has begun rolling out the sixth beta of One UI 8.5 to Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra devices in Europe, Korea and India, with the US to follow. The rollout follows Samsung’s Unpacked event, which highlighted Agentic AI upgrades. Beta 6 (ZZAO) fixes issues across Bixby Labs wake-up phrase creation, the Gallery’s sketch conversion button, Now Bar/Now Brief visibility, and a crash tied to Display settings. Other changes address the lock screen behavior in Modes and Routines and smoother notification card animations. Samsung frames the update as iterative, signaling further refinements before a wider rollout in the US.

US must be able to turn around and punch back at China’s satellite network, Space Force general says

February 27, 2026, 3:40 PM EST. Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, head of the US Space Force Combat Forces Command, told The War Zone that Beijing has built the ‘second-best remote sensing architecture in the world from outer space’ and has grown its constellation to about 1,900 satellites from under 100 in 2013. He said more than 500 of those are remote sensing satellites designed to track mobile forces in the Pacific and cue long-range weapons. He argued the United States must take an offensive posture in space to deter or counter such capacity, saying that protecting assets alone is insufficient and that you ‘turn around and punch.’ The remarks frame U.S. emphasis on anti-satellite warfare as a core mission, alongside traditional surveillance roles.

Motorola reveals FIFA World Cup 26 editions of Razr Fold and Edge 70

February 27, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Motorola, the official smartphone partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026, has expanded its themed lineup with two new FIFA World Cup 26 editions. Following the Razr 60 FIFA World Cup 26 Edition, renders reveal a Razr Fold FIFA World Cup 26 Edition in black with a textured back featuring a number 26 motif and gold accents on the Moto bat symbol and FIFA badge. The lock screen appears to carry the same 26 pattern, suggesting custom wallpapers, themes, and ringtones. The Edge 70 FIFA World Cup 26 Edition arrives in navy with gold-trimmed camera island, bat logo, and a FIFA badge at the bottom. No pricing or availability details are provided yet, but official disclosures or releases are expected. Rumors also point to FIFA-themed versions of the Signature and Edge 70 Fusion.

Planqc named a key player in Europe’s quantum computing ecosystem

February 27, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. A new report by Boston Consulting Group and UnternehmerTUM positions Planqc among Europe’s leading forces in the move to scalable, sovereign quantum computing. The report argues that future champions will emerge from industrial-scale quantum systems, not isolated lab breakthroughs, and highlights Planqc as an internationally competitive player in neutral-atom quantum computing. It flags quantum tech as essential for Europe’s competitiveness, with a global value projected at USD 450-850 billion by 2040. The study calls for focused development of a few globally scalable platforms, milestone-based funding, and robust testbeds. Europe’s edge lies in photonics and cryogenics; Planqc’s activity in the international top group boosts Europe’s visibility at the quantum frontier.

Quantum computing stocks: Alphabet and Microsoft emerge as top bets

February 27, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. Two tech giants that are not dependent on quantum computing for revenue are positioned as potential winners in the space. Alphabet (GOOG/GOOGL) has advanced quantum computing work, including the Willow chip whose error rate falls as it scales. Its Quantum Echoes tests beat some classical results, and qubits-the quantum bits that carry information-are the building blocks. Alphabet trades around 26x forward earnings with a roughly $3.7 trillion market cap. Microsoft (MSFT) is also solid in software and cloud, and its work on Majorana 1-a chip intended to make qubits more reliable-and a program to help businesses become quantum-ready position it for growth. Both are non-pure-play bets, balancing risk and upside.

Nvidia vs. TSMC: AI-chip boom tests two chip giants

February 27, 2026, 3:30 PM EST. Two chip giants ride the AI surge. Nvidia has jumped more than 700% in three years, while TSMC has risen about 311% as demand for GPUs powers AI infrastructure. Nvidia’s growth comes from its dominant GPU lineup used by hyperscalers, AI startups and governments. TSMC, the world’s largest foundry, profits from manufacturing chips for Nvidia and other designers, including Qualcomm and AMD. Analysts forecast TSMC’s earnings to rise about 34% in 2026, while Nvidia’s fiscal-2027 earnings are seen up about 66%-a reflection of Nvidia’s roughly 81% share of the AI chip market. Looking ahead, Nvidia cites a data-center capex wave of $3-4 trillion by 2030, with a 40% five-year CAGR. The trend underscores secular growth for both firms rooted in AI chip demand and advanced manufacturing.

Amazon offers free 2x storage upgrade and $200 gift card on Galaxy S26 lineup

February 27, 2026, 3:28 PM EST. Amazon is running a promotion on the Galaxy S26 lineup that includes a free 2x storage upgrade and, in some cases, a $200 Amazon gift card. The upgrade doubles storage to 512GB for the price of 256GB, a value of about $200. The offer covers the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, though the gift card is linked to launch-day availability next week. The deal sits alongside Samsung’s own offers, which include up to $900 in instant savings with trade-ins and optional free Galaxy Buds 4 or Buds Pro. For buyers seeking more storage, the Amazon option delivers the higher tier for the base price, while the gift card is timed to launch.

Samsung confirms improved S Pen in the works; USI 2.0 could power future models

February 27, 2026, 3:22 PM EST. Samsung has confirmed the S Pen remains central to its Galaxy strategy, with a new version under development. In a Bloomberg interview, Won-Joon Choi, COO of Samsung MX, said the company is building a more advanced S Pen that requires a new display structure. He did not reveal specifics but said Samsung could adopt USI 2.0 or a newer standard for future styluses. A USI 2.0 approach could help avoid interference with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, potentially letting both the S Pen and charging magnets share space in future devices. USI 2.0 styluses support in-cell display compatibility, tilt sensing, up to 4,096 pressure levels, and NFC-based wireless charging. Samsung says the S Pen will stay a core technology.

China unveils high-energy EV battery with 700+ Wh/kg density, 1,000 km range

February 27, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. Chinese researchers led by Academician Chen Jun say a new electrolyte system substitutes fluorine for oxygen, delivering energy density above 700 Wh/kg. In tests, the battery retains nearly 400 Wh/kg at -50°C, addressing cold-weather performance. The work, published in Nature, follows a string of China-backed advances aimed at safer, higher-density cells. The team, in collaboration with FAW’s Hongqi and China Automotive New Energy Battery Technology Co Ltd, also announced a 500 Wh/kg variant tied to a CLTC range exceeding 1,000 km and eyeing mass production by end-2026. Officials say energy density and cold tolerance are key hurdles, with a lithium-fluorine (Li-fluorine) chemistry boosting ion conductivity and stability. The breakthroughs could expand use in robotics, polar missions, aerospace and EVs.

Lucid Gravity campaign targets Tesla Model X ahead of discontinuation

February 27, 2026, 3:12 PM EST. Lucid Motors launched a targeted email campaign pitting the Gravity Grand Touring against an unnamed full-size EV SUV, likely the Tesla Model X. The move follows interim CEO Marc Winterhoff’s assertion that Lucid is the natural heir to Tesla’s flagship models. The Gravity GT starts at $94,900 and outperforms the rival on several specs: EPA-range of 450 miles versus the Model X’s 352 miles, and 828 horsepower versus 670. It also touts faster charging at 400 kW (vs 250 kW) and a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds (Model X: 3.8 seconds). Lucid says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will arrive in spring 2026, plus optional head-up display, front-seat massage, tray tables and three-chamber air suspension. Gravity Touring starts at $79,900; Winterhoff said inquiries from Model S/X owners have risen.

Anomaly on Vulcan rocket prompts pause on Florida missions, Space Force says

February 27, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. The U.S. Space Force is pausing Vulcan rocket missions after an anomaly observed during a February Florida launch. Col. Eric Zarybnisky said the Pentagon would suspend Vulcan flights until the issue is resolved, a setback to ULA’s plan to conduct 18-22 missions this year. Investigators will review flight data and imagery as a recovery team collects debris, with the Space Force promising close coordination with ULA before the next national security mission. The February flight saw sparks mid-flight, echoing a similar issue on Vulcan’s October 2024 mission. Officials have not set a restart date, noting the disruption could last months while teams determine root cause and mitigation.

Falcon 9 reentry dumps 30 kilograms of lithium into upper atmosphere, study finds

February 27, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. Scientists using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) observed a SpaceX Falcon 9 first-stage reentry over Europe on February 20, 2025. The event released about 30 kilograms of lithium into the upper atmosphere, roughly ten times the daily natural input. Researchers warn such pollution could disrupt atmospheric aerosols that moderate climate, and raise questions about the broader impacts of spaceflight on the sky above us. The finding comes as the space industry expands, increasing debris and reentry events. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, uses LiDAR to probe a niche layer around 80-120 kilometers where conventional measurements struggle. Robin Wing of the Leibniz Institute notes potential interactions of lithium, aluminium oxide, and the ozone layer warrant further investigation. The work underscores a new scientific field examining spaceflight’s earthly footprint.

NATO certifies iPhone and iPad for classified use

February 27, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has extended its security clearance to the iPhone and iPad for NATO-restricted use after exhaustive testing. BSI previously approved the devices for German government use in 2022. Apple said the assessment covered exhaustive technical reviews, testing and security analysis, and that the certification applies to iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 with no special software or settings. The move makes the devices the first consumer products to receive NATO-compliant certification, according to Apple’s release. It does not alter privacy rights; the company notes privacy depends on interpretation. BSI president Claudia Plattner emphasized that the audit supports adoption in classified German information environments and NATO assurance requirements.

Archer to equip Midnight eVTOL with Starlink internet, signaling potential autonomous flights

February 27, 2026, 2:56 PM EST. Archer Aviation says it will integrate Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit (LEO) internet into its Midnight eVTOL for test flights, delivering high-speed, low-latency connectivity for passengers and crews during planned public air-taxi operations. The collaboration is described as an industry-first. Starlink’s LEO network targets coverage at low flight altitudes, contrasting with traditional in-flight internet that relies on ground towers or geostationary satellites. Beyond passenger Wi-Fi, Archer envisions Starlink supporting communications between Midnight, pilots and ground engineering teams, and-eventually-powering autonomous flight capabilities. Archer has outlined coast-to-coast hub plans, including Miami, as it advances its air-taxi network. The news isn’t a flight milestone, but it ties Starlink’s connectivity to Archer’s operational and potential autonomous ambitions.

Marathon reboot blends looter-shooter mechanics with Nvidia-era aesthetics in 2026 server slam

February 27, 2026, 2:52 PM EST. Marathon’s reboot playtest introduces a sci-fi looter-shooter where players wire into cyberbodies and raid a long-lost ark. The tone leans into the Nvidia era with art and UI hints that feel like a GPU-driven texture. Early prologue teaches health and shield replenishment, melee, and inventory, then you breach a bunker to loot parts. The opening perimeter map shows desolate, device-scarred terrain that fuses natural terrain with circuit boards. Loot variety is confusing but satisfying as you learn to identify valued upgrades. Factions include Cyberacme, which grants a loot-spotting perk but adds a disembodied AI head (Oni) as a guide-press X to doubt. Combat relies on standard ADS (aim down sights) and cooldowns, but the worldbuilding stands out more than the shooting.

Rumored compromises on a low-cost MacBook could be deal-breakers, readers asked

February 27, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Apple is reportedly planning a low-cost MacBook to sit below the MacBook Air, with rumors of several compromises. The device may use an A18 Pro chip rather than a newer Apple Silicon generation and is said to benchmark similarly to the M1. The source is unproven, but the price target around $700 has circulated, with retailers like Best Buy likely to carry it. The article asks readers whether any single compromise would be a deal-breaker, even if other specs were acceptable. Some observers argue the A18 Pro approach need not be a major drawback, while the M1 performance record remains credible years on. The piece invites readers to participate in a poll and comment on their reasoning.

Disney’s MuppetVision 3D heads to Apple Vision Pro in VR revival, Henson confirms

February 27, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Disney’s shuttered MuppetVision 3D is moving into the virtual world on Apple Vision Pro, confirmed by Brian Henson in a Q&A during his Puppet Up! show. The VR-centric headset will place fans inside the attraction, allowing them to choose any seat as the ride is experienced anew in virtual form. Henson, chairman of The Jim Henson Company, said the team restructured the ride for VR, but no release date was announced. The original show opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1991, later ran at Disney California Adventure before closing in 2014 to make way for other experiences. Parade first reported the story on Feb 27, 2026. The venture illustrates how VR can revive classic theme-park experiences for modern audiences.

FTC policy on age verification draws fire from free-speech and privacy advocates

February 27, 2026, 2:40 PM EST. The FTC issued a policy statement encouraging more data collection from Internet users for age verification, triggering criticism from tech-policy advocates. Ari Cohn, FIRE lead counsel, said: ‘Age verification is identity verification, plain and simple.’ He argued that exempting age-verification data from privacy rules forces users to reveal ID, erode anonymity, and risk sensitive information. Cohn warned that data leaks are pervasive and that neither platforms nor the government can guarantee privacy. He cited recent government probes into critics as illustrating how data can be used to track dissent. The coalition called the approach a ‘papers, please’ model that runs counter to free speech, privacy, and security.

Lilly debuts Nvidia-powered LillyPod supercomputer to break the pharma lifecycle

February 27, 2026, 2:38 PM EST. Lilly opened LillyPod, a Nvidia-powered supercomputer, to speed up drug modeling and discovery. Lilly says the move helps it escape the traditional pharma lifecycle of booms and busts, a concern voiced by CIO Diogo Rau. Nvidia’s GPUs enable large AI models and simulations the company calls central to its plan. Lilly also committed $1 billion to a Bay Area AI co-innovation lab announced at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference. Leaders describe the effort as a broad collaboration: Lilly’s scientists pairing with Nvidia’s model builders through programs like TuneLab and Gateway Labs in multiple hubs. Lilly’s strategy is to become a backbone of the global innovation ecosystem, linking academia, startups and industry to accelerate breakthroughs.

Nvidia DGX Spark price rises to $4,699 amid memory shortages

February 27, 2026, 2:34 PM EST. Nvidia raised the DGX Spark’s price to $4,699 from $3,999 amid global memory shortages, according to official developer forums. Nvidia said the change, effective this week, reflects tighter supply of memory for the GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip. The compact AI mini-PC, showcased at CES 2025 as Project Digits and sold since October 2025, packs 128GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 4TB NVMe SSD, and a GB10 chip with Arm cores and a Blackwell GPU. Nvidia notes existing orders will be honored at the price paid at the time of order. OEMs such as Dell, Asus, MSI and HP offer similar systems; the Asus Ascent GX10 undercuts at about $3,267 with a 1TB SSD. No hardware changes accompany the price increase.

NVIDIA DGX Spark price hike to $4,699 amid memory shortages

February 27, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. NVIDIA has raised the MSRP for its DGX Spark Founders Edition from $3,999 to $4,699, citing ongoing memory supply constraints. The change, confirmed in a company forum post, takes effect this week and applies to NVIDIA’s own DGX Spark sales channel. The update does not involve hardware changes. NVIDIA says memory shortages are driving the price bump, while the DGX Spark remains a compact desktop AI system offering up to 1 PFLOP of FP4 compute, 128 GB LPDDR5X memory, 4 TB NVMe storage, and a ConnectX-7 NIC in a 150x150x50 mm chassis. OEM partners such as MSI, ASUS, and Dell offer their own DGX Spark configurations. Existing orders will be honored at the time of ordering.

Galaxy S26’s practical feature already on every Android phone

February 27, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. An Android Authority test argues that Samsung’s Galaxy S26’s touted document-scanning feature, powered by AI, is not unique. Google Drive already embeds a robust built-in document scanner on any Android phone. Rita El Khoury demonstrates how to use it: open Drive, tap Plus, select Scan; choose Manual or Auto capture. Drive auto-detects the document, auto-crops to the page, and auto-enhances (removing shadows, adjusting white balance, boosting text contrast). Users can tweak crops, rotation, color filters, and smudge removal. The piece notes the claim raises questions about novelty; a poll shows mixed awareness of Drive’s scanner. The takeaway: the Galaxy S26’s best feature is largely available to all Android users through Google Drive.

Nvidia blowout, Salesforce Agentforce progress challenge AI selloff, Wedbush says

February 27, 2026, 2:10 PM EST. Wedbush argues the AI software selloff has gone too far after Nvidia’s results and Salesforce’s Agentforce progress. Nvidia posted results well above expectations and guided to about $78 billion in the April-quarter, underscoring accelerating AI infrastructure demand in data centers and components. Jensen Huang said software will be a beneficiary, a view Wedbush calls a meaningful signal for the sector. Salesforce’s Agentforce monetisation is starting to show up in the numbers; Wedbush estimates it could account for roughly 25% of Salesforce revenue within a year. The firm argues incumbents at the application layer – Salesforce, ServiceNow and Microsoft – control data and workflows, while the model layer may commoditize faster, letting platform owners capture value as AI infrastructure matures.

Samsung delays Privacy Display to Galaxy S26 Ultra; expansion teased to other devices

February 27, 2026, 2:06 PM EST. Samsung says its Privacy Display, a key new screen feature, arrived with the Galaxy S26 Ultra after being planned for the Galaxy S25 Ultra last year. Won-Joon Choi, chief operating officer of Samsung MX, told Bloomberg that the plan stalled due to last-minute snags, pushing a full rollout back about a year. The feature, developed in-house for the S26 Ultra, was proposed three to four years ago and has largely kept leaks at bay until launch. Samsung says it could extend Privacy Display to other devices in the future if it deems it time to propagate it beyond the Ultra.

Nvidia beats forecasts with record revenue as AI demand shows no sign of slowing

February 27, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. A chip giant Nvidia posted a record annual revenue of $215.9 billion, beating forecasts as quarterly sales jumped 73%. CEO Jensen Huang said demand for AI compute is growing exponentially, with customers racing to invest in the factories powering the AI industrial revolution. Nvidia, a central player in AI infrastructure, supplies chips to OpenAI and Meta and is expanding its own product line to shape hardware use in autonomous systems. Market watchers warned of circular financing amid Nvidia’s broad network of deals, even as the company remains the market’s most valuable publicly traded company, with a roughly $4.8 trillion value. The firm has navigated US-China tensions and unveiled Alpamayo, an open-source AI model for autonomous driving, while hinting at a robotaxi service next year.

US Space Force pauses Vulcan Centaur launches after booster anomaly prompts multi-month review

February 27, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. The Space Force has paused all national security launches on the Vulcan Centaur after a booster anomaly recurred on the latest flight. The pause triggers a multi-month investigation by ULA to determine the root cause and corrective actions needed before resuming missions. The Feb. 12 mission, USSF-87, carried two GSSAP satellites; about 20 seconds after liftoff one booster showed a visible anomaly, but the BE-4 first-stage engines compensated and the satellites reached their target orbit. A separate October 2024 incident involved a nozzle detachment. Space Force Col. Eric Zarybnisky said the pause will extend through the investigation as engineers and managers review data. ULA has more than two dozen Vulcan launches scheduled, making the stall a potential disruption for national security programs.

Bloom Energy tops 2026 AI power play as data-center constraints loom

February 27, 2026, 1:50 PM EST. AI growth hinges on AI power, not just software or chips. Nvidia’s roadmap drives rack-scale needs of 300-600 kW per rack within 1-2 years, a jump from today’s capabilities that creates a time-to-power bottleneck. The AI economy’s real risk lies in power availability and infrastructure, not compute. The author’s Top Pick for 2026 is Bloom Energy, which supplies behind-the-meter, solid oxide fuel-cell generation to reduce grid dependence and accelerate power delivery. In the U.S., abundant natural gas supports reliable supply. The I/O Fund has followed Bloom since a 2024 AI-power note; it added positions in 2025 and rode a strong rally, with the stock trading near the $160s.

Motorola Razr Fold FIFA World Cup edition leaks show black-and-gold design ahead of March launch

February 27, 2026, 1:46 PM EST. New leaks via @evleaks reveal a limited FIFA World Cup edition of Motorola’s Razr Fold, expected to be black with gold accents. The back shows a subtle etched “2026” and a gold Motorola logo, with World Cup wallpaper likely included. Motorola has already unveiled a separate FIFA 2026 variant, but this design leans quieter than the earlier bright edition. The company has teased a full reveal on March 2 at MWC; CES hands-on impressions suggest the hardware is competitive with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. No official specs have been disclosed; the rest of the package should become clear at the March launch.

Stellantis leadership shift after NHTSA probe ends; US eyes Chinese cars, Tesla robotaxi stalls

February 27, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. Stellantis confirms a leadership reshuffle as the NHTSA closes its probe into 7.4 million recalled vehicles, ending a year-long safety review tied to management scrutiny. The auto sector faces broader shifts, including growing interest in Chinese cars but tepid dealer appetite, suggesting import demand may outrun dealer willingness. In California, Tesla stalls its robotaxi push, reporting zero test miles as regulators pause autonomous-vehicle plans. Macro headwinds also weigh on results, with a government shutdown and higher used-car prices contributing to Hertz’s fourth-quarter weakness. In luxury EVs, Audi’s SQ6 Sportback e-tron remains a compelling blend of performance and efficiency for buyers seeking premium D-segment practicality.

AI industry-funded ads flood 2026 elections, steering debate away from AI policy

February 27, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. AI industry-funded super PACs are pouring tens of millions into the 2026 midterms, beginning with Texas and North Carolina. Yet ads largely dodge AI policy, instead pressing on immigration, the economy and other hot issues to mobilize voters. The effort aims to shape how AI models and firms are regulated, a debate the industry calls existential. Two umbrella outfits dominate: Leading the Future, backed by OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and investors, with paired groups Think Big (Democrats) and American Mission (Republicans). Public First, backed by Anthropic, counters them, with affiliated PACs Jobs and Democracy PAC (Democrats) and Defending Our Values (Republicans). Brad Carson of Public First says voters care about cost of living and the economy; AI is part of those concerns and requires thoughtful leadership. Leading the Future reported about $39 million in the bank at year-end.

Suno hits 2 million paid subscribers, $300 million ARR amid rapid growth

February 27, 2026, 1:38 PM EST. Suno’s co-founder and CEO Mikey Shulman said on LinkedIn the AI music generator now has 2 million paid subscribers and $300 million in annual recurring revenue. Three months earlier, a $250 million funding round valued the company at $2.45 billion; The Wall Street Journal noted $200 million in annual revenue, implying rapid growth. Suno lets users create music from natural language prompts, lowering barriers but drawing copyright concerns as models are trained on existing recordings. Warner Music Group recently settled a lawsuit and reached a licensing deal to allow Suno to launch models using licensed catalog music. Telisha Jones’s viral R&B track from poetry led to a $3 million deal with Hallwood Media. Artists like Billie Eilish and Katy Perry remain vocal about AI in music.

Nvidia CEO: Agentic AI at inflection point as revenue surges

February 27, 2026, 1:36 PM EST. During Nvidia’s quarterly earnings call, CEO Jensen Huang said agentic AI has reached an inflection point and is solving real problems. Nvidia’s fiscal 2026 revenue rose to $216 billion, up 65% from the prior year, underscoring the company’s shift to an AI infrastructure focus. Huang described Nvidia as an AI infrastructure company, a move from its origins as a graphics-card maker. He noted that agentic AI can take actions beyond chat-style output, such as planning a vacation, and that real-world use is arriving. Samsung touted an “agentic AI experience” on the Galaxy S26, aligning with Nvidia’s timeline. The executive said the inflection arose in the last two to three months, with a future emphasis on physical AI in machinery and robotics. Nvidia’s GTC in March is expected to reveal more on the Rubin chip and laptop chips.

Why Chinese EVs Cost Less Than Tesla: Scale, Subsidies and In-House Manufacturing

February 27, 2026, 1:34 PM EST. Why Chinese EVs cost less than Tesla isn’t explained by subsidies alone, according to a Rhodium Group report, a New York-based independent research firm. Western brands’ China share fell to about a third last year as Chinese OEMs cut prices. BYD Seal fell from $30,198 to $24,190 between 2022 and 2025, while the Model 3 slid only about $221 from $32,909. The report finds subsidies account for roughly 5% of BYD’s $4,700 per-vehicle gap with Tesla; most of the gap stems from scale, cheaper talent, and in-house manufacturing. Deep vertical integration, bigger output, and lower overheads give Chinese firms a structural edge, the firm says. They also rely on favorable supplier payment terms and other cost-saving practices.

Tinkerer gains access to thousands of DJI Romo vacuums, exposing private data

February 27, 2026, 1:22 PM EST. An AI strategist, Sammy Azdoufal, discovered that his own PlayStation-controlled Romo vacuum unintentionally exposed tokens granting access to thousands of other devices. In total, more than 6,700 vacuums across the United States, Europe and China were reachable. The core issue was that device data was stored in plain text on the server, letting anyone with access read floor plans, live video feeds and microphone input. The encryption protecting communications was not broken, but the data storage created a broad exposure. Azdoufal reported the vulnerability to DJI, which issued updates without user intervention. Some problems remain, including video streaming without a security PIN and another undisclosed issue. The incident underscores ongoing IoT data protection gaps and the need for stricter access control and monitoring.

Apple-backed Aliro 1.0 smart lock standard released

February 27, 2026, 1:20 PM EST. The Connectivity Standards Alliance, with Apple among supporters, released the Aliro 1.0 specification for interoperable smart locks. Aliro connects smartphones, wearables, and readers without a dedicated app, and enables adding locks to wallet apps on iPhone and Android. Participants including Apple, Google, Samsung, Allegion, Kwikset, and others will pursue Aliro 1.0 certification. The standard supports Home Key-style unlocking via NFC and UWB, and uses asymmetric cryptography to protect interactions while protecting user privacy. It supports multiple channels-NFC, Bluetooth LE, and UWB-and will evolve with features like secure key sharing in future updates. The aim is to broaden use across homes, offices, universities, and hotels.

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders: Ultra up to $900 off, Plus up to $700 off, plus $150 instant credit

February 27, 2026, 1:18 PM EST. Samsung kicks off pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 lineup, with the Ultra and Plus models available today. The Galaxy S26 Ultra carries badges like Privacy Display, APV video codec and 8K 30 FPS recording, plus a suite of AI features designed to simplify daily tasks. Samsung advertises up to $900 off on the Ultra with an enhanced trade-in program; buyers can still receive $150 instant Samsung Store credit if they do not trade in. The Galaxy S26 Plus is advertised with up to $700 off and the same $150 instant credit for non-trade-in purchases. Prices shown: Ultra around $1,299.99 and Plus around $1,099.99. Pre-orders reflect Samsung’s marketing push around launch, with trade-in and non-trade-in options.

Independent test of Donut Lab’s solid-state EV battery raises questions

February 27, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. Donut Lab and Verge Motorcycles claimed the world’s first production vehicle with an all-solid-state battery. An independent test has now raised more questions than answers about claims of 370 miles of range, five-minute charging, 400 Wh/kg energy density, cheaper production, and 100% green materials. The test follows Verge’s January reveal and the company’s hubless rear wheel, a feature critics say is less important than the battery itself. Today, lithium batteries face limits on fast charging, density, thermal stability, and degradation. Solid-state promises faster charging, higher energy density, lighter packs, and durable chemistry, but proof remains scarce. Toyota, VW, and others have chased the tech for years; VW and Ducati unveiled a prototype motorcycle in 2025.

The Capture returns with AI paranoia, Holliday Grainger says

February 27, 2026, 1:14 PM EST. The Capture’s third series opens with a Heathrow Terminal 5 sequence in which a hostile Russian asset hacks CCTV and uses a deepfake avatar to bypass border checks. The show, written by Ben Chanan, weaves government AI usage, cyber-attacks and the dark web into a tense techno-thriller that Grainger calls a ‘longform Black Mirror.’ She notes advisers from the Met, counter-terror and military consultants keep them grounded in real-world developments. The series questions regulation amid rapid progress and rampant misinformation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Blur’s Dave Rowntree scores the mood. Grainger says the experience has reshaped her view of news and technology, leaving her wary of a future where smartphones and surveillance reshape everyday life.

Satellite Connect Europe launches direct-to-device satellite broadband for European MNOs

February 27, 2026, 1:10 PM EST. Luxembourg-based Satellite Connect Europe formally launches as Europe’s open-access direct-to-device satellite broadband provider, linking mobile network operators across the continent. The company, European-owned and headquartered in Luxembourg, plans five ground stations with Spain and the UK under construction and three more sites nearing completion to deliver seamless satellite connectivity that integrates with existing mobile networks. The venture originated in 2025 as a Vodafone-AST SpaceMobile joint venture. New leadership includes John Slamecka as Chairman, Darren Ennis as Board Director, and Meredith Sharples as Managing Director. The Luxembourg team also adds Florian Wöpfner as Head of Finance, Beki Muinde as General Counsel and Head of External Affairs, and Daniel Thomas as Head of Sales and Commercial. Sharples said the effort aims to keep operations within European jurisdiction while expanding satellite-enabled services to MNOs.

Zacks Analyst Blog highlights Apple and Adobe amid AI spending surge

February 27, 2026, 1:06 PM EST. The Zacks Analyst Blog spotlights Apple and Adobe as they embed AI into core offerings. Apple advances Apple Intelligence across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Wearables and benefits from a Google-powered foundation-model strategy and a multiyear Alphabet collaboration that could boost Siri and developer adoption. Adobe pushes AI into software for creators, marketers and businesses. Global AI spending is rising, with IDC projecting infrastructure-led AI outlays to 758 billion by 2029 and Gartner forecasting 2.52 trillion in 2026; software AI spending around 452 billion in 2026. In the last year, Adobe has lagged Apple in stock performance, while Apple’s balance sheet-roughly 132 billion cash-supports hardware-focused AI development and a lighter AI-infra footprint. Both face competition from Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet.

Honor Magic V6 crease-less display teased ahead of MWC debut

February 27, 2026, 1:02 PM EST. Honor exec Wang Fei shared images on Weibo showing a crease-less inner display for the Magic V6. Head-on viewing appears to reveal no ridge along the fold, a claim the company ties to its UTG protection and updated Super Steel Hinge. Honor says the crease-free panel comes without sacrificing the device’s thin-and-light design, battery capacity, or performance, and notes IP68 and IP69 ingress protection, potentially making it the first foldable with both levels of durability. The team highlights ultra-thin glass and a 1.5% reflection rating to boost outdoor readability. The company is betting on the V6’s hinge and internal components to suppress any visible crease. Oppo’s Find N6 is also teased with a crease-less main display. Honor will unveil the V6 at MWC Barcelona on March 1; a red version is shown in our exclusive sneak peek.

Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP teams with Kojima Productions for Death Stranding-inspired gaming tablet

February 27, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. The ROG Flow Z13-KJP, a collaboration between Asus’s ROG and Kojima Productions, blends gamer design with the Death Stranding universe. Designed by Yoji Shinkawa, it adds the Ludens mascot, gold trim and a custom case and 200W charger. Specs mirror the standard Z13: Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 CPU, Radeon 8060S GPU, XDNA NPU, 128GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 storage, and a 13.4-inch 2560×1600, 180Hz touchscreen. It includes a built-in kick-stand and detachable keyboard cover with matching design. Accessories include Delta II-KJP headset, Keris II Origin-KJP mouse, Scabbard II XXL-KJP mat. Priced at $3700, pre-orders are open, shipping next month with a free Death Stranding 2 for PC.

Tesla sells €2,500 seven-seat Model Y in Europe as EU- approved Model YL looms

February 27, 2026, 12:38 PM EST. Tesla has opened orders for a €2,500 seven-seat option on the Model Y Long Range AWD in Europe, with deliveries expected in April across Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands. The option adds a third row that remains impractical for adults, preserving about 381 litres of cargo behind it and 894 litres with folded seats. Tesla’s US launch and China’s earlier take rates show limited demand for a two-row conversion in practice; the company briefly removed a seventh-seat variant in China. The real alternative, the Model YL, is a stretched version with a 3,040 mm wheelbase and a 2-2-2 captain’s chair layout, launched in China last year around $47,000. EU type approval for the YL has been granted by the RDW, and tests near the Nürburgring hint at a European rollout soon. In short: Tesla is selling the traditional seven-seat option while the larger YL looms.

Tin Can: a dumb Wi-Fi phone for kids that prompts privacy and usage questions

February 27, 2026, 12:28 PM EST. Tin Can is a $100, screenless, Wi-Fi phone for kids that has sold more than 100,000 units since its release in April. It makes and receives calls over Wi-Fi, with no screen or text messages. Parents control who can reach their children via an approved-contacts list and preset calling windows, and they can monitor call logs. Calls between Tin Cans are free; calls to the wider world cost $10 a month. Critics call the setup a form of surveillance, while supporters say it nudges children toward voice-only communication and away from addictive screens. Co-founder Chet Kittleson frames Tin Can as a utility, not a toy, designed to teach responsible use of technology rather than track kids.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: the $249 ecosystem showdown

February 27, 2026, 12:26 PM EST. Both the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and AirPods Pro 3 earn their keep with comfort and familiar controls. The Buds feel light and stable on most ears, with IP57 dust and water resistance and a taller, pocket-friendly case. They shine when used with a Galaxy phone, offering seamless setup and smooth cross-device switching, plus high-end codecs like Samsung Seamless Codec and features such as Adapt Sound and spatial audio. But many perks hinge on a Galaxy device, and Android users miss some conveniences. The AirPods Pro 3 stay close to Apple’s DNA: deep fit, secure wear, and polished Find My integration, with health and translation features built in; on Android, much of that magic fades. In short, the right pick depends on your phone and daily routine rather than a universal winner.

Apple leans on device-led AI as rivals spend heavily

February 27, 2026, 12:24 PM EST. Apple appears to be sitting out the AI arms race, keeping AI-related capex far below peers-$12.72 billion in fiscal 2025-while analysts say the strategy can work. The company’s integrated OS, privacy strengths, and a strong hardware vertical could let Apple leverage its installed base for AI services without chasing cloud compute. Apple inked a deal with Google to power AI features, including a major Siri upgrade, signaling an external approach to AI inside devices. JPMorgan’s Samik Chatterjee reiterates an overweight rating with a $325 target, while MoffettNathanson’s Craig Moffett notes solid iPhone demand supports a device-led AI path. In sum, executives say rivals are retreating to lanes, and Apple’s approach may pay off if AI adds value without compromising user experience.

Best Apple Deals of the Week: $100 Off Apple Watch Series 11 and More

February 27, 2026, 12:10 PM EST. Deals tracked this week show all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11 with $100 off at Amazon. Discounts cover three models of the smartwatch. The round-up also flags up to 30% off iPhone cases-including Clear, Silicone, TechWoven cases for the iPhone 17 lineup and select Air models. AirPods see $30 off AirPods 4 and $100 off AirPods Max to $449 in all five colors. Samsung pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 bring early discounts on the new lineup. Portable power stations from Anker and Jackery reach up to 56% off. MacRumors notes affiliate links, which help support the site. For more deals, visit the Apple Deals roundup.

Android 17 Beta 2 rolls out to Pixel devices with new features

February 27, 2026, 12:00 PM EST. Google has begun rolling Android 17 Beta 2 to supported Pixel phones, following a brief hiccup with Beta 1. The update, about 500MB, lands as users participate in the Android Beta Program. Google lists new features across segments: Bubbles lets users pin and manage apps via long-press; EyeDropper API enables color capture from anywhere on screen without extra permissions; Contacts Picker provides a system-level picker with temporary access; Touchpad Pointer Capture standardizes pointer behavior to mimic a mouse; Interactive Chooser helps apps predict final UI position. Cross-device Handoff via CompanionDeviceManager enables state resumption between devices. Beta 2 arrives ahead of an expected summer release.

Donut Lab’s claimed solid-state battery under scrutiny as proof videos surface

February 27, 2026, 11:56 AM EST. Donut Lab, a Finnish startup, says it has a scalable solid-state battery that could be produced at scale for electric vehicles. The company touts 400 Wh/kg energy density, five-minute charging, a 100,000-cycle life, and operation across extreme temperatures using green and abundant materials at a cost below today’s lithium-ion cells. It released a string of videos ahead of CES to prove the claims. Industry skeptics say the tech remains unproven at mass scale and warn that the cited figures are difficult to verify without independent testing. The headlines echo a broader push by automakers and battery makers, including CATL, Toyota, and Changan, into solid-state designs. Analysts say confirmation from third-party labs will be the crucial next step before any deployment in vehicles.

Google Pixel Watch may add ‘Immediately’ notification wake option

February 27, 2026, 11:54 AM EST. Google Pixel Watch may soon offer an option to wake the display for notifications immediately, instead of only when users raise or twist their wrist. The feature, found in Pixel Watch app version 4.3.0.867617185, presents two choices: On wrist raise (default) and Immediately. The latter shortens battery life but improves convenience by showing alerts instantly. The discovery also uncovers strings for a Notify when left behind feature, though neither option is live yet. The update follows longtime user complaints that notifications don’t appear unless the wrist is moved just right, and parallels similar options on rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. As with APK teardown work, there’s no guarantee these changes will reach a public release.

Phones go weird at MWC 2026 with rotating rings, robot arms

February 27, 2026, 11:50 AM EST. Dominic Preston reports from MWC 2026 as phones edge into the weird. Xiaomi, in collaboration with Leica, plans the Leitzphone with a rotating back camera ring to scroll through optical zoom – a hardware twist that may verge on gimmick but signals new design directions. Honor will showcase the Robot Phone, with a gimbal-stabilized camera arm and a teaser for humanoid robotics, along with AI features. Nothing unveils the Phone 4A and new over-ear headphones, while Tecno pitches a modular, magnetic concept with attachable lenses, and Vivo previews the X300 Ultra camera flagship. The show remains a magnet for Chinese brands and niche devices, even as core smartphones look more conventional. More details will emerge through the week and over the weekend.

Pokemon Winds and Waves announced for Switch 2

February 27, 2026, 11:48 AM EST. The Pokemon Company and Game Freak announced Pokemon Winds and Waves for the Nintendo Switch 2, due worldwide in 2027. The new RPG entries promise an open world of windswept islands and a vast sea of glittering waves. Players will travel as the series’ protagonist, wearing different outfits per version, and choose one of three new starters: Browt (Grass), Pombon (Fire) and Gecqua (Water). Special Pikachu variants, Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, appear in the lineup. The games, developed by Game Freak, mark a continuation of the Pokemon RPG series for the Switch 2. Brazilian Portuguese will be supported as a selectable language. Trailers and screenshots were released alongside the announcements.

Apple iPhone and iPad cleared to handle NATO-classified data without third-party security tools

February 27, 2026, 11:46 AM EST. Apple says the iPhone and iPad are the first consumer devices cleared to access NATO-classified networks. An off-the-shelf iPhone running iOS 26 can access restricted NATO data without third-party security software or hardware changes. Ivan Krstić, Apple’s security chief, says the achievement shows Apple has built the most secure devices for all users and that protections are certified for NATO nations. The certification extends a prior German approval by the BSI and now covers iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, with devices listed in the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue. Core protections include encryption, biometric Face ID and Touch ID, and Memory Integrity Enforcement on Apple Silicon. BSI President Claudia Plattner welcomed the expansion. The milestone underlines growing trust in stock Apple devices, similar to FedRAMP for US government work.

Digital Foundry: Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 is solid but variable

February 27, 2026, 11:42 AM EST. Digital Foundry has assessed Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, finding a respectable port that stays faithful to the game’s look while leaning on Nvidia’s DLSS to smooth the ride. The reviewer notes Capcom preserved the core visuals and delivered a convincing mobile version, but frame-rate discipline remains the main issue. Docked Switch 2 renders at 540p with an Nvidia upscaler delivering visuals near the Xbox Series S, while the UI holds at 1080p. In handheld, the game runs at about 360p, upscale to 720p via DLSS, still looking surprisingly decent. Performance targets are 60fps but often sit in the 40s-50s, with dips to 30fps. Minor cutbacks include geometry and textures; loading times are fast. Patch improvements could address variability.

Donut Lab’s solid-state battery charges fast, but questions remain

February 27, 2026, 11:36 AM EST. Donut Lab released independent charging tests from Finland’s VTT to back its claim of a production-ready solid-state battery. The seven tests used a 94-watt-hour pouch cell; at 5C, it hit 80% in under 10 minutes and 100% in about 13 minutes, peaking at 47 C. At 11C, it reached 80% in 4.6 minutes and finished in under eight minutes, with a peak of 63 C. While the data suggests ultra-fast charging, it skirted critical details about chemistry and overall pack performance. Critics say it remains unclear whether the cells are truly solid-state. Experts like Shirley Meng caution that disclosed chemistry is essential. Donut Lab has yet to prove a track record against Toyota, BYD or CATL, or confirm timing with Verge Motorcycles.

No compelling upgrade from Galaxy S24 Ultra to S26 Ultra, reviewer says

February 27, 2026, 11:34 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is official, but a reviewer argues the upgrade from the Galaxy S24 Ultra is not compelling. The S24 Ultra remains a strong two-year flagship, with a tougher Gorilla Armor 1 glass and 2,600-nit brightness. The S26 brings only modest gains: a 1.07 billion-color display for better color depth and a new Privacy Display feature that limits viewing angles, but both models share a 2,600-nit peak brightness. Cameras show limited difference: the S24 uses a 200MP main, 10MP 4x tele, 50MP 5x tele, and 12MP ultrawide; the S26 adds a newer 50MP ultrawide and brighter 1x/5x sensors, but without practical proof of improved results. The big caveat is shutter lag, for which there’s no confirmed fix. Battery also unchanged. MSRP for the S26 Ultra is $1,299.99.

IonQ stock climbs after revenue forecast beats estimates

February 27, 2026, 11:30 AM EST. IonQ stock surged more than 21% after the quantum-services company issued a revenue forecast that beat expectations. In the fourth quarter, IonQ revenue jumped 429% year over year to $61.9 million, and management said the results exceeded the guidance midpoint by 55%. The 2026 revenue forecast of $225 million to $245 million topped Wall Street’s roughly $190 million view. Despite growth investments, IonQ’s adjusted EBITDA narrowed to negative $67.4 million from negative $31.3 million. The company remains well funded with about $3.3 billion in cash and investments as of Dec. 31 and has pursued acquisitions, including SkyWater Technology to strengthen the U.S. supply chain. CFO Inder Singh projects stronger organic growth in 2026. The Motley Fool holds positions in IonQ; its disclosures accompany coverage.

Donut Lab touts all-solid-state battery with 400 Wh/kg; skeptics call for proof

February 27, 2026, 11:16 AM EST. Donut Lab, a Finnish startup, says it has developed a true all-solid-state battery that can be produced at scale. The company claims a stellar 400 Wh/kg energy density, 5 minutes fast charging, 100,000 cycles, and operation across extreme temperatures, plus use of green and abundant materials and a cost below today’s Li-ion cells. The announcements, including videos released ahead of CES, have sparked widespread interest but also skepticism from industry experts who note that scaling solid-state chemistry remains a major hurdle. Rival automakers and battery makers have long pursued the technology, with firms like CATL and Changan signaling staged pilots rather than mass adoption this year. Investors and automakers will want independent validation and third-party testing before evaluating any potential impact on the EV supply chain.

IonQ stock jumps after upbeat 2026 revenue forecast as Q4 sales soar

February 27, 2026, 11:14 AM EST. IonQ shares surged about 21% after the quantum-computing company forecast stronger-than-expected 2026 revenue. In Q4, revenue jumped 429% year over year to $61.9 million, as the company outpaced guidance by roughly 55% at the midpoint. CEO Niccolo de Masi said the results continued to exceed expectations. Despite the turnaround in top line, IonQ’s EBITDA was negative, reflecting ongoing investments that weigh on profitability. The company remains well funded, with cash and investments totaling about $3.3 billion at year-end. For 2026, IonQ guided to revenue of $225-$245 million, above consensus near $190 million. CFO Inder Singh highlighted near 80% year-over-year organic growth in 2025 and higher organic growth in 2026. IonQ is pursuing a full-stack quantum platform with acquisitions such as SkyWater Technology to bolster its supply chain.

Donut Lab tests show fast charging for solid-state battery, questions remain

February 27, 2026, 11:08 AM EST. Donut Lab released independent tests from VTT on a 94 Wh solid-state pouch cell. The tests show ultra-fast charging: at 5C, 80% in under 10 minutes and 100% in about 13 minutes, with peak temps near 47 C; at 11C, 80% in 4.6 minutes and full charge in under eight minutes, with higher temps around 63 C. The data support at least one claim-fast charging-but leave key questions open: whether the cell is truly solid-state, cycle life, pack-level performance, and how it compares to Toyota, BYD, CATL. Donut Lab touts production-scale deliverables and a plan to install in Verge Motorcycles in Q1, yet no disclosed chemistry or proven track record. Experts urge caution; chemistry disclosure remains a litmus test for credibility, says Shirley Meng.

AI reads inner thoughts: brain signals show music processing differs from image processing

February 27, 2026, 11:04 AM EST. Takagi notes the brain processes music differently from images. In vision, high-level meaning and low-level detail map to distinct regions, but in auditory perception those layers merge. The team suggests neural signals for semantics and low-level information in music are not separated. The work aims to model and reconstruct experiences, from psychiatric symptoms like schizophrenia to animal perception and even dreams. Researchers caution that while direct brain-to-brain communication is contemplated, ethical and human-rights issues remain unresolved. On the entertainment front, stimulation of vision or hearing via devices is possible only in the distant future, with a 10-20 year horizon before practical demonstrations. The findings raise questions about how we experience perception and what machines could someday reproduce.

AI study links semantics to auditory brain activity; music perception differs from vision

February 27, 2026, 11:02 AM EST. An AI study finds music processing in the brain blends meaning with basic sensory signals, unlike vision where high-level and low-level information sit in distinct regions. Led by Takagi, the work suggests semantics (meaning) and low-level information (raw sensory data) are not spatially separated for auditory processing, challenging assumptions from image perception. The team envisions applications such as recreating the auditory and visual hallucinations of psychiatric patients, or simulating animal experiences to study perception. They also discuss the possibility of brain-to-brain communication, though ethical and human-rights questions remain unresolved. Even with optimism, Takagi says translating these techniques into entertainment or consumer devices will likely take another 10 to 20 years due to technical hurdles. The findings illuminate how neural decoding can differ by sense and point to new AI neuroscience paths.

TSMC components found in Enflame AI chip draw export-control scrutiny

February 27, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. An initial TechInsights breakdown found that a powerful AI chip built for Chinese firm Enflame includes components from Taiwan’s TSMC. The report suggests the device, the Enflame S60, could fall under U.S. export controls because of its potential computing power and design. U.S. officials have been briefed on the analysis, which classifies export-control details (ECCNs). TechInsights warned its conclusions are preliminary and subject to change as regulatory decisions finalize. TSMC disputed the initial ECCN interpretation. The case underscores how U.S. policy governs sales of AI hardware to China, leveraging rules that apply when U.S.-made technology aided production, even if components are manufactured abroad. Analysts say export controls could affect access to high-end AI chips by Chinese firms.

Hiawatha Broadband to expand multi-gig Flight Fiber in southeast Minnesota

February 27, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. Hiawatha Broadband Communications plans to extend its Flight Fiber network across southeast Minnesota, delivering symmetric multi-gig speeds of 2 Gbps and 5 Gbps for homes and businesses. Construction is underway in cities including Winona, Red Wing, Lake City, Farmington, Hastings and Empire. HBC, a Minnesota-based provider and part of the Schurz Broadband Group, says the expansion aims to boost capacity and reliability. President and GM Dan Wigger says fiber investments make sense in towns served. In early 2025, HBC expanded the Farmington network with more than $8 million to build about 2,300 new passings on a fiber-to-the-home system. The Winona rollout added roughly 3,100 passings, reaching over 5,000 households and businesses. The moves reflect broader multi-gig fiber trends, alongside Ezee Fiber’s Detroit-area FTTP project.

Anthropic resists DoD terms as Pentagon weighs Defense Production Act pressure over Claude

February 27, 2026, 10:32 AM EST. Anthropic chief Dario Amodei said the company cannot accede to the Defense Department’s demands to deploy Claude with no constraints. The Pentagon has threatened to compel use under the Defense Production Act (DPA), a 1950s national-security tool, or declare Anthropic a supply-chain risk and bar government vendors from using its software. Amodei stressed the stance is non-negotiable, citing safeguards against mass surveillance of Americans and fully autonomous weapons. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department has no desire to surveil citizens or develop autonomous weapons. The dispute centers on how Claude would operate in government networks, and how export controls to China would be applied. Anthropic says new contract language fails to address its safeguards; negotiations continue ahead of Friday deadline.

SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch from Vandenberg this weekend; where to watch in California

February 27, 2026, 10:28 AM EST. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 liftoff from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County this weekend, likely overnight into Sunday, March 1. The two-stage, 230-foot rocket will deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit during a four-hour window that opens at midnight PT. Postponements can occur for weather or technical issues, per FAA advisories. The base itself does not offer public viewing, but spectators can watch from several pockets around Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, including 13th Street and Arguello Boulevard; Floradale Avenue and West Ocean Avenue (viewing site for SLC-6); Renwick Avenue and West Ocean Avenue; and Santa Lucia Canyon Road and Victory Road. Check local updates for latest timing as conditions can change.

Low-cost MacBook could echo Chromebooks in price, RAM and storage limits

February 27, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. Apple is eyeing a sub-$800 MacBook, possibly a 12.9-inch model, with color options and an A18 Pro chip. Leaks from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and multiple reports point to 256GB-512GB of storage and as little as 8GB RAM, raising questions about macOS 26 requirements and performance. The device would likely trim features to hit the price point, pushing users toward cloud storage and web-based workflows more common on Chromebooks. Leaks cite a lack of fast charging and, possibly, a True Tone display compromise. While some details stem from social posts on Weibo and media invites for a March 4 event, veracity remains uncertain. If real, it would position a budget MacBook as a browser-centric, budget-friendly alternative in Apple’s lineup.

Samsung confirms S Pen stays; COO signals next-gen stylus and wider Galaxy Z Fold roadmap

February 27, 2026, 9:58 AM EST. Samsung faced questions after removing the S Pen’s Bluetooth features from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. In a Bloomberg interview, Won-Joon Choi, COO of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business, said the company is developing a next-gen S Pen with a redesigned display structure to lessen the trade-offs of using the stylus. He did not provide timelines or technical details. Choi did not commit to successors for the Galaxy S25 Edge or Galaxy Z TriFold, but did not rule out a wider Galaxy Z Fold. A wider model appeared in One UI 9, offering the first official look at the broader foldable lineup. Samsung reiterated that the S Pen remains a core technology.

Quantum computing: potential game-changer for insurance risk modelling

February 27, 2026, 9:56 AM EST. Quantum computing uses qubits that can be in superposed states, enabling new algorithms beyond classical machines. In practice, current devices are cloud-accessible prototypes hampered by high noise and error rates, requiring far more physical qubits than the logical units used by users. Software tools and simulators let researchers test ideas on traditional hardware. In finance, early research shows a quadratic speed-up for values at risk calculations under ideal conditions, but experts note that tens of billions qubits would be needed for useful work with today’s error-correction limits. The largest public machines top around 6,000 qubits, far below the scale to replace real workloads. For now, quantum computing complements classical methods in problems with complex interactions, such as optimization, drug and materials discovery, and cryptography, with a long road ahead for life-financial modelling.

Bitcoin slides after Nvidia earnings pullback as crypto market drifts

February 27, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. Bitcoin traded around $67,766, down 1.5% on the day and up 0.6% for the week, as traders de-risk after Nvidia’s earnings-driven pullback. Ethereum slipped about 1.5% to just above $2,047. Both tokens have held in a tight range since the Feb. 5 crash, with the $70,000 level forming the upper boundary. The move is seen as a leverage flush rather than a structural reversal; hourly returns were green Friday morning as buyers re-entered. Reis-Faria, CEO of ZeroStack, said the selloff reflects leverage, not a trend change, and liquidity remains tight. Over the week, Cardano led with ~7% gains, Solana ~5.5%, Ethereum ~4.8%, and BNB ~4.3%, while XRP fell 3.7% daily. The macro backdrop shows Asian equities rallying on AI infrastructure bets, keeping crypto range-bound awaiting fresh demand.

Firefly plans return-to-flight from Vandenberg with Alpha rocket

February 27, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Firefly Aerospace plans a return-to-flight for its Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on a test mission called Stairway to Seven. The 96.7-foot, two-stage launcher last flew in April 2025, when part of it crashed into the Pacific while attempting to deploy a Lockheed Martin satellite prototype. The upcoming flight aims to validate key systems ahead of a potential Block 2 upgrade that would add seven feet to height and improved subsystems. If conditions allow, liftoff could occur as soon as Feb. 28, with March 2 as an alternate; the rocket would fly a southwest trajectory over the Pacific. The launch would be Firefly’s first since the mishap and its first California launch since then.

Ethereum Strawmap aims for speed and instant finality by 2029

February 27, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. Ethereum developers rolled out a draft roadmap called Strawmap outlining upgrades through 2029 to boost speed and finality. They aim to cut time to irreversibility from about 16 minutes to a few seconds via a mechanism dubbed Minimmit, building on the Hegota and FOCIL groundwork to curb censorship and improve transaction organization. A Gigagas target of roughly 10,000 transactions per second would address the main critique of slowness and cost, potentially attracting institutional investors as ETH shifts toward yield-bearing use cases, such as the BlackRock Ethereum Staking ETF. Analysts like Tom Lee see upside if ETH pivots from speculation to structural utility. The plan envisages up to seven forks by 2029, a reminder that upgrades bring risk; security remains a hurdle as teams test new cryptography demands and compete with Solana. OpenAI and Paradigm are among others testing AI-assisted tooling.

DJI Romo flaw highlights IoT security risks in home networks

February 27, 2026, 9:42 AM EST. A Spanish researcher revealed a back-end flaw in DJI’s Romo robotic vacuum that let him remotely control thousands of units. Sammy Azdoufal tried to connect his Romo to a PS5 controller, but when his homebrew app hit DJI’s servers, it returned data from other devices. He could drive any unit, view live video, and access the device’s 2D floor map and approximate location via IP. DJI patched the bug after The Verge reported it. The incident spotlights how the explosion of IoT devices expands attack surfaces, often with fragile access controls. The issue involved a backend permission validation flaw in MQTT-based communications between device and server. While DJI has a solid reputation, the episode underscores ongoing cybersecurity challenges as households add devices that share networks.

Razer’s 16-inch laptop sleeve adds wireless charging, priced at $129.99

February 27, 2026, 9:40 AM EST. Razer unveiled a 16-inch laptop sleeve that doubles as a wireless charger. The sleeve embeds two charging pads in its flap, allowing a smartphone to charge at up to 15W and wireless earbuds at up to 5W when opened and placed beside the computer. Priced at $129.99, the padded sleeve protects with a plush microfiber lining and reinforced edges, while remaining thin enough to slide under the laptop to shield the bottom. The pads follow the Qi2 standard, and a USB-C cable powers them from the host laptop, though some machines may not supply enough power to run two devices at full speed. The product is marketed as a travel-friendly way to reduce separate chargers.

Apple shelters from AI-driven memory crunch as smartphone market contracts 12.9%, IDC says

February 27, 2026, 9:32 AM EST. Global memory shortages, spurred by AI demand, will shrink the smartphone market by 12.9% in 2026, IDC projects. About 160 million fewer units than last year; the firm calls it a crisis like no other. Budget Android makers face razor-thin margins as memory costs climb, forcing price hikes or component cuts. Analysts expect relief not before mid-2027, and memory prices likely won’t revert to 2025 levels. Apple, having exited the budget segment with the iPhone 16e after phasing out the SE, appears better positioned to weather the storm by focusing on mid-range to premium devices. The shift could redefine pricing and competition, with cheap smartphones most at risk as suppliers adjust to higher memory costs.

Live coverage: SpaceX launches 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral; booster lands on drone ship

February 27, 2026, 9:26 AM EST. SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral early Friday, as fog shrouded the launch site. The Falcon 9 lifted from SLC-40 at 7:16 a.m. EST; first stage B1069 landed on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic. The booster has flown 30 missions since its CRS-24 start in 2021 and helped deploy Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13-F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19. Friday marked SpaceX’s 25th Falcon 9 launch this year and the 607th flight of the rocket since 2010. Weather limited visuals, but the mission proceeded as planned, delivering Starlink payloads to orbit for high-speed internet service.

Garmin rolls out major software update with Fitness Coach, gear-tracking upgrades and sleep analytics

February 27, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. Garmin’s latest software update broadens coaching, gear tracking and health tools across compatible watches. The highlight is Garmin Fitness Coach, now available to Garmin Connect users and building personalized plans that cover strength work and more than 25 activity types, not just marathon training. It also lets users track multiple activities in a single session. The gear-tracking module is expanded, adding more gear types and allowing collections, a gear database with brand, model and maximum distance, and automatic assignment to activities with an on-wrist progress bar. Health features gain depth: compatible watches show sleep consistency and alignment with the circadian rhythm, plus lifestyle logging for caffeine or alcohol, with reports on sleep, stress and HRV. Other additions include a course planner for race prep and enhanced live sports scores from Garmin Connect.

Cloudflare redesigns Turnstile and Challenge Pages to scale the most-seen UI

February 27, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. Cloudflare says its Turnstile widget and Challenge Pages-the anti-bot checks that replace traditional CAPTCHAs (human verification tests)-are served 7.67 billion times a day, perhaps the Internet’s most-seen UI. The redesign aims to ease friction while sustaining security amid rising bot attacks. Told in three parts by Leo (design), Ana (engineering at scale), and Marina (impact), the piece explains how a global product must work for users from rural Japan to Lagos. With daily checks rising from 2.14B in 2023 to 5.35B in 2025 (a 58% YoY increase), the team intensified focus on inclusive design, performance, and dependable deployment at global scale. The narrative notes metrics and ongoing refinements.

Android 17 Beta 2 adds Bubbles, cross-device handoff and privacy upgrades

February 27, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. Google’s Android 17 Beta 2 adds a multitasking boost with Bubbles, allowing floating app windows via long-press in the launcher. The update introduces Cross-device handoff to resume tasks across Android devices, and a system-level contact picker that grants temporary read-only access to contacts. It also brings an EyeDropper API for color picking from the display without full screen capture permissions. The release, build CP21.260206.011 and about 510MB, includes several privacy improvements and expanded SMS OTP protection as part of a broader effort to harden local network privacy. Google acknowledged issues with the initial beta rollout but has begun pushing Beta 2 to developers with fixes for reboots and interface freezes. The handoff supports native app transitions and app-to-web fallbacks.

80s superconducting circuits may power future quantum computers, SEEQC says

February 27, 2026, 9:00 AM EST. At SEEQC’s headquarters and its quantum-chip foundry in upstate New York, engineers push a niche 1980s idea-superconducting circuits-back into the spotlight for quantum computing. The tour shows niobium layers, dielectric sandwiches, and lithography tools writing tiny circuits, all inside clean rooms with heavy protective gear. SEEQC CEO John Levy holds a square, compact chip that belies its mission: to help quantum computers scale beyond lab demos. The science is straightforward: superconductors carry electricity with near-perfect efficiency, reducing heat loss that burdens conventional chips. The catch: they only operate at temperatures near absolute zero, achieved by a dilution refrigerator. IBM abandoned superconducting computing in 1983, but SEEQC and others hope this revived path could spur a new industrial revolution in computing.

Smartphone market set for sharpest decline on record in 2026, analysts warn

February 27, 2026, 8:58 AM EST. Analysts warn the global smartphone market faces double-digit declines in 2026 amid a protracted memory shortage. IDC projects the broader device market shrinking; PCs down about 11% and smartphones about 13%. Counterpoint Research pegs smartphone shipments for 2026 down 12% year-on-year – the sharpest decline on record – with volumes not seen since 2013. The squeeze is tied to demand from AI infrastructure, which has strained memory chip inventories and pushed allocation to hyperscalers, delaying smartphone supply. Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint notes memory suppliers deprioritize smartphone vendors in favor of AI customers. IDC and Counterpoint say the picture worsened from earlier forecasts; memory capacity may reopen the path to growth only after late 2027 if new capacity comes online. RAM prices and other components have spiked as a result.

Vivo to reveal X300 Ultra at MWC 2026 with global preview

February 27, 2026, 8:52 AM EST. Vivo confirmed its next camera flagship, the X300 Ultra, will be shown at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona from March 2 to 5, signaling a global preview rather than a China-only launch. In a press release, the company calls the X300 Ultra its ‘most advanced exploration to date in mobile imaging and videography,’ highlighting investments in optics engineering, computational photography and system-level optimization. Alongside the Ultra, Vivo will display the X300, X300 Pro, X Fold5 and the V70 series at its MWC booth, underscoring its aim to compete globally in the premium segment. The event marks Vivo’s push to engage with the international mobile ecosystem. Watch for specs and pricing, though the company has yet to confirm an international launch date.

Woolworths trims Olive AI after customers say it pretended to be human

February 27, 2026, 8:46 AM EST. Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has trimmed its AI assistant, Olive, after customers complained it claimed to be human and shared personal anecdotes. Olive handles 24-hour phone support for order tracking and product discovery. Social media posts described Olive making fictional life details and even fake typing noises, prompting fear about distinguishing human from bot. Woolworths said the birthday-related remarks were not AI-driven but scripted by a human team years ago to give Olive a personal touch. Following customer feedback, the company removed that scripting.

RAM supply tight as Samsung reportedly charges Apple double for DRAM

February 27, 2026, 8:44 AM EST. Apple is paying Samsung about double for DRAM used as RAM in iPhones and Apple Silicon Macs as AI-server demand squeezes memory supply. Dealsite, a South Korea financial news site, said Apple renewed its RAM deal through the first half of 2026. An unnamed industry official said Samsung aimed to raise LPDDR5X prices by about 60% and then offered a 100% increase at the first negotiation, which Apple allegedly accepted. The story notes RAM prices could rise further in 2026, with wholesale RAM costs forecast to be three to four times current levels by year-end. RAM production requires months to deliver from silicon, and new DRAM plants take years to build. The wider memory market, including NAND, is under pressure as AI workloads grow.

Apple eyes cheap MacBook to lure Windows users, rumored price under $800

February 27, 2026, 8:42 AM EST. Apple is reportedly preparing a low-cost MacBook powered by a mobile processor, potentially priced at $699 to $799 and distinct from the current M-series lineup. The plan would repurpose a cheaper design-possibly aluminum construction-and move away from the six-year-old M1 chip to attract Windows users who have grown wary of the Windows experience amid AI-driven Copilot features and patchy updates. The strategy echoes a test run earlier in 2024 when Walmart sold an M1 MacBook Air at around $700 to gauge demand for cheaper Macs. Proponents argue macOS remains leaner than Windows, with fewer ads and optional AI features. If true, Apple could boost cross-platform appeal by easing Windows-to-Mac transitions for iPhone owners.

DRAM shortage to trigger seismic shift in smartphone market; Apple less affected

February 27, 2026, 8:30 AM EST. Global memory scarcity is forecast to cut smartphone shipments 13% in 2026, IDC (via Bloomberg) says. DRAM bottlenecks stem from AI data centers consuming high-bandwidth memory (HBM), forcing producers to prioritise HBM over consumer RAM. Supply drain keeps prices elevated and production schedules tight, IDC warns of a crisis like no other. Shipments are seen at about 1.1 billion in 2026, down from 1.26 billion in 2025. IDC Senior Research Director Nabila Popal calls it a seismic shift in size, pricing and competition, not easing until mid-2027. Cheap Android models feel the pinch most; Apple appears shielded by margins. Reports say Apple pays Samsung roughly double for LPDDR5X used in iPhone 17. Tim Cook flagged a modest margin hit in early 2026, with memory prices unlikely to revert to 2025 levels.

Amazon Could Break $3 Trillion Valuation on AI-Fueled AWS Growth

February 27, 2026, 8:28 AM EST. Amazon could join the $3 trillion club as AI fuels growth in AWS and a more profitable e-commerce business. The stock trades around $2.25 trillion market value today, leaving room for upside as investors weigh a potential return of more than 33% if the company crosses the threshold. AWS remains the growth engine, delivering strong revenue momentum and expanding into AI with products such as Trainium chips, Trainium2/Trainium3, and the Bedrock platform for ready-made foundation models. Amazon also runs its own Nova family models, designed for customization. In 2025 AWS generated $128.7 billion in revenue and still expanded faster in late 2025, aided by a record backlog of $244 billion and a plan to invest $200 billion in new data centers in 2026. Investors see potential upside from AI-driven efficiency across fulfillment.

Austin’s H-1B Power Players: Oracle Tops Austin Approvals as Tesla and Indeed Follow

February 27, 2026, 8:24 AM EST. A refreshed federal dataset shows Austin’s H-1B approvals dominated by a handful of tech employers from 2020 through 2025. USCIS data, compiled by The Dallas Express, cite Oracle as the leader, with Tesla and Indeed following. Roughly 72% of H-1B visas go to workers from India and about 12% to workers from China. Critics cite rulings alleging discrimination; Cognizant faced a California ruling on disparate impact and related terminations, while a Tesla class-action claim accuses the company of favoring H-1B holders in some engineering roles. Supporters say the program is essential for recruiting elite talent. Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B petitions at state agencies through May 31, 2027. The dataset offers one of the clearest city-level views of H-1B reliance over six years.

Rammageddon: AI demand drives DRAM price surge and memory shortage

February 27, 2026, 8:12 AM EST. DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) prices have surged 80-90% quarter-on-quarter as AI data-centre demand pulls supply away from consumer RAM. Analysts describe a tight memory market with margins high enough to redraw capacity plans. Manufacturers shifted production away from desktops, laptops and other consumer RAM to AI workloads, a move that has tightened supply and pushed expectations of a shortage lasting into 2026 and possibly 2028. The result is higher costs for servers and devices relying on memory, while buyers struggle to secure new chips amid a cycle of price jumps and supply constraints.

Nvidia Drives Tech Tilt in S&P 500 as AI Boom Concentrates Market

February 27, 2026, 8:10 AM EST. Nvidia now trades with a market cap above $4.75 trillion, more than the energy sector combined, and about 20% of the value of the materials, utilities and real estate groups together. The company’s surge is powered by AI demand, with other heavyweights such as Microsoft and Apple riding the wave. As AI spending climbs, concerns rise that a handful of giants can mask broader market risk and destabilize portfolios and retirement funds if they stumble. The New York Times cites S&P Dow Jones Indices data showing the index’s tech weight has risen from 26% in 1999 and 14% in 2007 to about one-third today, while the top 10 now account for nearly 40% of the S&P 500. This concentration mirrors, yet diverges from, dot-com era tensions.

Microsoft previews Copilot Tasks, AI that runs on its own cloud computer to handle busywork

February 27, 2026, 7:56 AM EST. Microsoft is previewing Copilot Tasks, an AI that takes care of busywork by running on its own cloud-based computer and browser. Described as a background assistant, it can organize subscriptions, turn emails, attachments, and images from your inbox into a slide deck, surface urgent messages and draft replies, and plan tasks from birthday parties to home tours. It supports natural language instructions and can schedule recurring, one-time, or on-demand work, delivering a report when it finishes. Examples include monitoring apartment listings every Friday and setting up tours. Copilot Tasks will ask for permission before meaningful actions, such as payments or messages. For now it’s in a research preview with a small tester group; a waitlist is on Microsoft’s site.

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Florida

February 27, 2026, 7:50 AM EST. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, extending the company’s rapid schedule of orbital missions. The liftoff, from Cape Canaveral, marked another entry in SpaceX’s sequence of commercial and government launches this year. Details on the payload and mission timeline were not immediately disclosed, but the launch underscores the company’s ongoing role in delivering payloads to orbit.

Karpathy: programming has shifted as AI agents take over coding tasks

February 27, 2026, 7:36 AM EST. Former Tesla AI chief Andrej Karpathy argues that programming has undergone a radical shift as AI agents handle tasks once done by hand. In a detailed post on X, he said coding agents were essentially non-existent before December and now perform complex chores, from logging into servers to benchmarking models and building a web UI. In his view, programmers no longer write line-by-line code but direct AI agents and subagents, review results in parallel, and iterate with prompts. He cited a weekend project where an agent completed setup in about 30 minutes without his input. The claim sits amid mixed productivity data, with some studies showing AI tools slowing experienced developers and others reporting substantial code-generation shares at large firms. Karpathy stresses needed judgment and oversight, but believes the leverage will keep growing.

Deals: 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max discount, AirPods Max USB-C sale, MacBook Pro and accessories

February 27, 2026, 7:28 AM EST. 9to5Toys’ Lunch Break highlights unlocked storage deals and accessories. An unlocked 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max is available on Amazon for $949, about $650 off the 1TB 17 Pro Max and $320 under Apple’s refurbished store, with Premium Renewed options backed by a 365-day window. Amazon also discounting all five AirPods Max (USB-C) colors to $449. A 24GB M4 Pro MacBook Pro slices $440 off the list price. ZAGG’s Pro Keys 2 for M4/M5 iPad Pro sees a 57% cut to $65. And the Neon Ocean Band with Black Titanium finish hits its best price of the year. More deals follow.

Samsung Unpacked 2026: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Buds 4 Pro debut with Privacy Display

February 27, 2026, 7:24 AM EST. Samsung kicked off 2026 with Unpacked reveals, led by the Galaxy S26 Ultra and a refreshed S26 lineup. The Ultra introduces 60W charging and a dedicated Privacy Display, while the phones run on a newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform. Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro with UWB and gesture controls, paired with OneUI 8.5 for refined notifications and Bixby interactions. Live streams aired on Samsung Newsroom, Samsung.com and YouTube, with CNET and ZDNET providing play-by-play coverage. Preorder incentives from Amazon and Best Buy bundle gift cards and discounts; buyers should review carrier terms for trade-ins and installment plans. Coverage continues as hands-ons and comparisons roll out.

LabOS AI-powered goggles aim to cut human error in science

February 27, 2026, 7:22 AM EST. LabOS is an AI operating system for scientific labs that runs on wearable smart goggles. A small camera tracks researchers’ hands and a display warns of potential missteps-wrong reagent temperature, skipped steps-before mistakes become failures. Developed by the Stanford-Princeton AI Coscientist Team, led by bioengineer Le Cong at Stanford and computer scientist Mengdi Wang at Princeton, with founding partners including NVIDIA. The system uses NVIDIA’s vision-language models to interpret lab scenes and guide protocols in real time, bridging the physical-digital gap researchers face in the lab. The open-source platform and hardware kit let AI see what scientists see, with early pilots at Stanford and Princeton labs using robots to assist. Proponents argue it could address the replication crisis by reducing human error.

Huxe rolls out AI-powered personalized daily audio brief from emails and calendar

February 27, 2026, 7:20 AM EST. Huxe is an AI-powered app that produces a personalized daily audio brief from a user’s email and calendar. Users sign up on Android or iOS, connect Google or Outlook accounts, and select topics from their inbox and schedule. The 15-minute brief is delivered as livecasts-AI-generated hosts discussing topics such as Big Tech Roundup or Today in AI-and there are DeepCast deep dives created from a text prompt. The app also offers audio summaries of specific companies like Apple or Meta and allows customization of voices. Huxe is free to use at launch, with features similar to Google NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews. It aims to replace longer inbox/schedule scanning with a concise, audio-first briefing.

Lithium-metal battery tops 700 Wh/kg, operates at -50 C, Chinese team says

February 27, 2026, 7:16 AM EST. Chinese scientists report a lithium-metal battery with energy density above 700 Wh/kg and stable operation at temperatures as low as -50 C, a potential leap for EVs. Led by Chen Jun of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Nankai University, the team redesigned the electrolyte at the molecular level by replacing oxygen with fluorine and creating fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent molecules to enable a lithium-fluorine coordination system. Lab tests show the battery maintaining near 400 Wh/kg at -50 C. The work targets two bottlenecks for EV adoption: energy density and cold-weather performance, with researchers saying the electrolyte improves ion transfer and safety. Earlier this month, the team announced a mass-producible ultrahigh-energy-density lithium-rich manganese system beyond 500 Wh/kg, translating to ranges over 1,000 km.

Memory-price surge threatens budget PCs and smartphones, Gartner says

February 27, 2026, 7:12 AM EST. Global memory prices are squeezing entry-level devices. Gartner projects PC shipments down more than 10% in 2026 and smartphones about 8% as the AI-driven memory shortage bites. DRAM and NAND flash could jump as much as 130% by end-2026. The effect: the budget PC may disappear as vendors struggle to price below $500. Price bumps alone may not win over price-sensitive buyers. AI devices with NPUs-once seen as a growth engine-still demand more memory and fetch premiums, delaying broader adoption. Microsoft requires a minimum of 16 GB for Copilot+ PCs; Gartner advises 32 GB for new enterprise PCs. HP says DRAM now accounts for about 35% of PC build cost, up from 15-18% last quarter, with DRAM costs likely to rise. AI PCs stay in the premium bracket; non-NPU systems endure; market shift could extend to 2028.

Apple to launch iPhone 17e next week with A19 chip, MagSafe and more features

February 27, 2026, 7:10 AM EST. Apple plans new product launches next week, including the budget iPhone 17e, CEO Tim Cook said. The model is expected to carry the latest-generation A19 chip, delivering power and efficiency for a lower-price device. Apple reportedly reinstates MagSafe support on the 17e after its absence in the 16e, restoring charging convenience and access to a broad accessories ecosystem. The phone is also expected to add an 18MP Center Stage front camera, alongside the existing rear camera. Wireless connectivity would get updates with the C1X cellular modem and N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. A possible shift to Dynamic Island instead of a notch has circulated, though details remain uncertain. The company characterizes the rollout as a broader launch week.

AI-driven layoffs spark job fears as Block cuts over 4,000

February 27, 2026, 7:08 AM EST. Mass layoffs linked to AI are fueling fears of job disruption. Citrini Research calls the scenario a possibility, not a forecast, but investors were rattled when Block said it would cut more than 4,000 jobs as AI reshapes its business. The shift hits entry-level workers who must review AI output and manage risk-the kind of judgment tasks once handled by seasoned staff. In other news, Chicago honors civil rights icon Jesse Jackson as he lies in repose, and spring training opens in Arizona and Florida ahead of the 162-game season. Former President Bill Clinton is expected to depose in ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Feedback on the briefing can be sent to reporter Nicole Fallert.

Samsung expands satellite connectivity for Galaxy smartphones globally

February 27, 2026, 7:06 AM EST. Samsung Electronics announced expanded satellite connectivity for select Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S26 series, through partnerships with operators in North America, Europe and Japan. The rollout, phased by network availability and regulation, aims to give users messaging and data tools when terrestrial networks fail, and to support emergency response as AI becomes integrated into daily life. Won-Joon Choi, Samsung’s MX R&D head, said the company seeks open collaboration to keep Galaxy users connected in crisis moments. In the U.S., T-Mobile’s T-Satellite/Starlink services have been available since 2025 on flagship and A-series models; Verizon offers eSOS and text on flagship devices after S25. In Europe, Virgin Media O2 will enable satellite on select Galaxy models, with MasOrange trials in Spain and Vodafone involvement. Samsung aims to broaden supported models and infrastructure for a seamless AI experience.

Huawei MatePad Mini global launch positions it as iPad mini rival

February 27, 2026, 7:02 AM EST. Huawei unveiled the MatePad Mini globally, expanding its compact tablet lineup after an initial China reveal at the Mate 80 event. The device ships an 8.8-inch Flexible OLED display at 2560×1600, 343 PPI, 120Hz, with a PaperMatte coating for reduced flicker and glare. Huawei cites a slim bezel design, claiming brighter visuals with up to 1800 nits peak brightness. Processing details are ambiguous for the global model; however, Chinese variant uses a Kirin 9010 5G processor and HarmonyOS. The tablet features a dual rear camera (50MP + 8MP) and a 32MP front, a 6400mAh battery with 66W fast charging, 3D cooling, and a side fingerprint sensor. Accessories include M-Pencil Pro support and a dedicated Folio cover. Color options: Spruce Green and Obsidian Black.

EV battery recycling market to reach $87.7 billion by 2032, says Research and Markets

February 27, 2026, 6:48 AM EST. The global EV battery recycling market was worth $25.37 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $87.7 billion by 2032, a CAGR of 19.38%, according to Research and Markets. By 2026, the market is projected at $29.86 billion. Growth is driven by demand for recovered materials, rapid electrification of mobility, evolving regulations and the push for secure, low-emission supply chains. OEMs, recyclers and policymakers are aligning on standardized battery collection, processing and material reintegration, while digital traceability and design-for-recycling practices help manage flows and compliance. Different battery chemistries-lithium-ion, lead-acid, and nickel-metal hydride-offer distinct commercial opportunities for material reuse. Advances in hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical and direct recycling technologies refine practices and support a closed-loop economy, underpinned by coordinated strategies and partnerships.

New smartphone scam targets buyers of new Android and iPhone devices

February 27, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. Scammers are dialing recently upgraded phone owners, posing as carriers or retailers to take control of a device shipment. A Reddit post describes an impostor claiming a mis-shipped phone and pressuring the user to return it. The scam isn’t tied to one carrier-reports mention Xfinity and Spectrum-and scammers appear to know the buyer’s carrier and phone model. Google has warned about related scam calls and uses AI to detect such attempts. Consumers are advised to never share account numbers or personal data over the phone. Hang up and verify by calling the carrier or retailer directly using official contact details. Companies may warn they will never call about account issues. The pattern underscores how attackers exploit the rush of new-device ownership and delivery notifications.

Apple iPhone and iPad certified to handle NATO restricted data

February 27, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Apple says its iPhone and iPad have been certified to handle NATO restricted data on devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, after an evaluation by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The disclosure marks the first time a consumer device meets NATO information-security requirements, allowing out-of-the-box use without extra software. Previously, the BSI-approved devices could only handle classified German government data on standard security protections. The NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue now lists iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 as compliant, with Apple executives noting that secure devices were once reserved for bespoke government and enterprise systems. The company framed the certification as a milestone in making the strongest protections available to all users.

BMW and CATL deepen EV battery pact with decarbonisation push

February 27, 2026, 6:40 AM EST. BMW and CATL have signed a new memorandum of understanding to broaden their EV partnership beyond battery supply into decarbonisation, digital traceability and cross-border data exchange. The accord, signed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s China visit, expands collaboration to use the Catena-X automotive data ecosystem to pilot trusted data exchange and carbon-footprint accounting within the Battery Passport framework. From 2027, EU battery rules will require detailed lifecycle transparency and carbon reporting, so BMW wants to future-proof its EV lineup. The Battery Passport aims to reveal a battery’s carbon footprint, material sourcing and lifecycle data, supporting sustainability and recyclability. CATL remains dominant globally with a 39.2% share and 464.7 GWh installed in 2025, while BMW emphasizes China’s central role in its strategy. The next generation iX3 Long Wheelbase will debut in Beijing; jointly developed with Chinese and German teams.

Used EV battery health far better than many assume, study finds

February 27, 2026, 6:38 AM EST. The Generational Battery Performance Index analyzed more than 8,000 electric cars and vans, finding an average state of health around 95.15% of new range. Eight- and nine-year-old EVs retain about 85% battery health, well above many warranties that promise about 70%. Even vehicles with 100,000+ miles frequently report 88-95% health. The index aims to set new benchmarks for used EVs, highlighting above-average, typical and underperforming degradation. Variance grows with age, but averages remain strong, shifting focus from degradation risk to condition uncertainty. A three-year-old fleet car with 90,000 miles may outperform a newer car with less use. The study calls for robust battery health testing so buyers can price risk accurately and accelerate adoption.

Apple’s iPhone and iPad approved to handle NATO-classified information

February 27, 2026, 6:34 AM EST. Apple says iPhone and iPad are the first consumer devices certified to handle NATO information up to the restricted level without extra software. The approval follows a security evaluation by Germany’s BSI and adds iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue. BSI president Claudia Plattner emphasizes integrating security from design, while Apple VP Ivan Krstić notes the move broadens access to government-grade protections for all users. The certification underscores built-in platform security, including encryption, Face ID, and Memory Integrity Enforcement, and extends prior German approvals to all NATO nations.

AI redefines cyber risk for business leaders, boards warn

February 27, 2026, 6:32 AM EST. AI is redefining cyber risk as attackers automate exploitation and adapt in real time, TrendAI researchers say. The 2026 Security Predictions from TrendAI, a Trend Micro unit, show AI driving faster, smarter, more complex attacks that no longer require large hacker teams. AI sits inside customer service platforms, financial systems and supply chains, turning trusted tools into potential attack vectors. A compromised AI agent with broad permissions acts like a privileged insider, moving across systems and triggering harm with little notice. Perimeter security and basic access controls struggle against threats inside workflows. Four leadership priorities emerge for 2026: govern AI agents and improve cloud visibility are the start, with two additional priorities to follow, all aimed at sustaining resilience, trust and business continuity.

Nvidia’s sovereign AI business overlooked by investors, Tengler says

February 27, 2026, 6:26 AM EST. Analyst Tengler says Nvidia’s sovereign AI business has been underappreciated by the market. While much of the focus centers on chips for commercial AI, government and defense-adjacent deployments could fuel longer-term growth. Tengler notes that investors have yet to fully price in the potential revenue from public-sector contracts and data-residency requirements that favor local cloud and silicon capabilities. Nvidia’s exposure to export controls, geopolitical risk, and multi-year cycles for sovereign programs may complicate near-term gains, but the long horizon remains attractive if policy around AI procurement and national security prioritizes domestic AI ecosystems. The takeaway: the story may not be visible in quarterly earnings but could shape multi-year value if public-sector demand accelerates.

Teen AI model could help stop poaching in rainforests

February 27, 2026, 6:16 AM EST. An interview with Melissa Hobson highlights a breakthrough: a 17-year-old high school student built an AI model that can accurately pick out gunshots from jungle noise, addressing a key hurdle in anti-poaching work. Conservationists at the Elephant Listening Project use about 100 acoustic units to monitor nearly 2,000 square kilometers of central African rainforest, recording elephant rumblings and human activity. The approach, known as acoustic monitoring, can reveal wildlife presence and poaching signals without sighting animals. If the teen’s model scales, it could improve detection of illegal hunting and help authorities respond faster, potentially saving forest elephants and other species. The work underscores how youth-driven AI, deployed in challenging environments, can support conservation science.

Galaxy S26 Call Screening explained: Samsung filters spam calls

February 27, 2026, 6:04 AM EST. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 introduces Call Screening, a proactive AI feature in One UI 8.5’s Call Assist. It aims to curb spam and scams by answering unknown numbers with a digital voice assistant-a conversational AI. The assistant asks for the caller’s name and reason for calling, while a live transcription appears on screen. Users can take over anytime or send a reply via text-to-speech (TTS), which reads typed responses aloud. Activation is Settings > Galaxy AI > Call Assist, with options for automatic screening or restricting to unknown numbers. The feature ships with the S26, and should reach other devices via One UI 8.5 updates; availability varies by region and covers 13 languages, including English, Korean and Japanese.

RAM shortage triggers smartphone market crisis as IDC cuts 2026 shipments by 13%

February 27, 2026, 6:00 AM EST. IDC trimmed its 2026 mobile shipment outlook by 13% year over year, predicting about 160 million fewer smartphones sold than in 2025 and the first annual drop since 2023. Analysts say the global memory crunch, driven by AI demand, could rival the pandemic in scale. IDC expects no material relief until mid-2027, with a risk it extends into 2028. Premium devices are likely to weather the hit better than cheaper models, as the sub-$100 segment faces price pressures or extinction. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 price increase signals tighter component markets. Outside phones, PC builds and handhelds are affected as supply tightness persists. IDC’s Nabila Popal said RAM shortages will reshape pricing and availability, underscoring a broader supply chain risk amid a persistent memory-shortage cycle.

SandboxVR opens full-body VR experiences in Fresno at Fashion Fair Mall

February 27, 2026, 5:58 AM EST. Fresno, Calif.-SandboxVR has opened a full-body virtual reality arcade inside Fashion Fair Mall, occupying the former Slaters Burgers space. A friends-and-family preview runs Thursday ahead of a public grand opening Friday. Hours are Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri-Sun 10 a.m.-Midnight. Guests can book experiences including Deadwood Phobia, Squid Game Virtuals, Stranger Things Catalyst, Rebel Moon: The Descent, Deadwood Valley, Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire, Amber Sky 2088, Deadwood Mansion, Curse of Davy Jones and Unbound Fighting League. SandboxVR promotes immersive, motion-tracked adventures that require wearing VR gear and physical movement. The Fresno opening expands the chain’s footprint in the region.

Italy court suspends €47 million IBM-Salerno quantum contract over tender dispute

February 27, 2026, 5:54 AM EST. An Italian court suspended a €47 million contract for an IBM-built quantum computer (a machine using quantum bits to speed certain calculations) at the University of Salerno, pending a review of Tea Tek’s bid appeal. Tea Tek, teamed with Rigetti, Treq and Quantware, says deadline extensions granted by the Campania regional government indirectly favored hesitant bidders rather than challenging the technical merits of IBM’s proposal. The court did not set a timeline for a ruling. The project would install the quantum computer at the former Ruggiero library on the Fisciano campus to foster a regional quantum valley and a future HPC hub. IBM declined to comment when approached by DCD. Earlier Campania tenders have faced procedure issues and anti-corruption scrutiny from Italy’s authorities.

Google executive spends 20+ hours a week on AI experiments

February 27, 2026, 5:52 AM EST. A Google executive told Business Insider that he spends more than 20 hours per week on AI experiments. The disclosure underscores Google’s emphasis on hands-on AI work across research and product development. The executive did not share his title, but the claim points to a culture of practical experimentation at the company. The interview, reported by Business Insider, illustrates how leaders blend theory with frequent, real-world AI testing.

Second Android 17 beta lands on Google Pixel with cross-device handoffs

February 27, 2026, 5:50 AM EST. Google rolled out the second Android 17 beta for the Google Pixel on Feb 27, 2026. The release adds cross-device handoffs that can work with a web app even if the app isn’t installed on the second device. The feature aims to ease continuity between devices, letting users start a task on one device and continue on another via a web interface. Google did not disclose broader device support specifics in the brief, but the beta highlights ongoing efforts to make app flows more seamless across ecosystems and platforms.

AI shift on entry-level work spurs training needs and cost concerns

February 27, 2026, 5:44 AM EST. AI is reshaping entry-level work and testing how quickly newcomers can learn on the job. While leaders say AI boosts revenue and trims costs, junior staff are increasingly asked to review outputs, make judgments and manage risk-tasks once learned through years of hands-on experience. CFA Institute’s Peter Watkins notes the apprenticeship period remains essential for real competence. Early adopters report momentum, with Nvidia’s 2026 Trends survey showing 73% of leaders see AI as vital and 89% linking it to higher revenue and lower costs. Yet executives face pressure to cut hiring and expand automation, a move critics warn could backfire without deliberate training. A 76% share of employers in a Cengage survey say entry-level hiring is flat or shrinking in 2025, underscoring the risk that the transition creates a toll on future talent.

Aliro smart-lock standard hits 1.0, promises cross-platform universal keys

February 27, 2026, 5:36 AM EST. Aliro has released a 1.0 specification for its universal smart-lock standard, allowing any compatible lock to be unlocked by any smartphone. The open standard stores a digital key in the phone’s wallet and works across Android and iOS, with support from Apple, Google and Samsung. There is no required cloud or dedicated app; the phone connects directly to the lock via a local protocol. The system uses NFC for tap-to-unlock and BLE for initial pairing and remote control, with optional UWB for hands-free unlocking. The move seeks to end lock fragmentation by letting a single digital key work across brands. Companies can now obtain hardware certification and roll out support for both platforms, with broader adoption expected in the coming months.

Privacy Display on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra aims to set a privacy benchmark

February 27, 2026, 5:30 AM EST. Samsung pitches its latest flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with a hardware-led upgrade they call Privacy Display. The feature uses pixel-level privacy to darken screen areas when viewed from off-center angles, preventing people nearby from reading content. It works in portrait and landscape, with app-level or notification-level controls, and quick access from the Quick Settings pane. Analysts say the feature is simple to demonstrate and easy for users to grasp, potentially giving Samsung an edge over rivals without requiring a software update. Ben Wood of CCS Insight notes this is not an all-or-nothing privacy screen, a potential advantage over aftermarket protectors. Samsung frames Privacy Display as a differentiator that could justify the device’s $1,300 price tag and set a new benchmark for premium devices and beyond.

Apple Watch posts first YoY growth in 2025, captures 23% of global smartwatch share

February 27, 2026, 5:28 AM EST. Apple posted its first year-over-year growth in Apple Watch shipments since 2022 in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The brand grew 8% YoY, ahead of an overall market up 4%. Huawei, Xiaomi and Imoo logged larger gains, yet Apple’s rebound followed a refreshed lineup. Analyst Anshika Jain pointed to the launch of the Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3, plus features such as 5G Redcap support, hypertension notifications and satellite connectivity, as drivers of upgrades. Cellular models rose about 6% YoY. The average price climbed 5%, continuing a segment premiumization; wallets for sub-$200 devices shrank 9%. Global share rose to 23%, extending Apple’s lead. Counterpoint’s full report is linked.

Apple teases a ‘big week’ of launches starting March 2, eyeing five devices incl. cheap MacBook

February 27, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Tim Cook signaled a big week of product reveals beginning Monday morning, March 2, kicking off a three-day series of announcements. Apple plans press experiences in New York, London and Shanghai, with releases likely issued via press notes and product videos rather than a traditional keynote. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and prior rumors point to at least five launches. The lineup expected includes the iPhone 17e, the iPad Air M4 and a refreshed entry-level iPad. The centerpiece could be a low-cost MacBook in yellow and green, priced around $599-$699, packing 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, a 12-inch display, and possibly an A18 Pro chip. Also eyed are an iPad 12 (A19 or A18) and further chip upgrades across devices.

Vorakai launches Starlink internet in Timor-Leste to reach students and remote communities

February 27, 2026, 5:08 AM EST. Starlink, delivered by Vorakai Lda, is bringing high-speed internet to Timor-Leste’s remote areas. Led by Tammy Kassiou, the rollout connects thousands of students to online resources, enables telehealth, and unlocks digital business opportunities. The program narrows the gap between rural villages and the capital, allowing streaming lessons, online records access, and global collaboration. Health workers gain real-time access to specialist advice, while teachers access global materials and coding curricula. The effort marks a shift toward an inclusive digital era for education, healthcare and entrepreneurship in Timor-Leste.

Amazon Leo to connect rural Africa via satellite broadband

February 27, 2026, 5:06 AM EST. Amazon’s Leo satellite constellation could extend broadband to rural Africa and beyond, said an executive identified as Beard. The project aims to provide connectivity virtually anywhere by delivering a faster connection at lower costs and with simpler installation. Beard argued the system can accelerate timelines and broaden service availability, securing coverage that reaches communities previously underserved. If realized, the plan would push internet access closer to universal in Africa and, ultimately, the world.

Zinwa teases Android-powered BlackBerry Key2-inspired phone with Dimensity 9300; Razer sleeve adds wireless charging; Android 17 Beta 2

February 27, 2026, 5:02 AM EST. A teaser from small Chinese outfit Zinwa signals an Android-powered phone inspired by the BlackBerry Key2. It centers on a flagship-class MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chip and uses a keyboard-style layout, with slimmer bezels and an in-display camera cut-out. A rendered image shows near-identical keyboard hardware. The Verge notes a Razer laptop sleeve that includes two MagSafe-compatible 15W Qi2 charging zones, though it lacks an integrated battery. Android 17 Beta 2 introduces app bubbles with floating windows, a system-level contact picker, easier pointer capture for touchpads, and a cross-device handoff API. CNX Software highlights a compact 170×120 mm Raspberry Pi CM5 carrier board with two SATA 3 connectors, PCIe support, and 9 Ethernet ports. Liliputing frames these as a tech-news roundup with social links.

Apple gears up to modernize iPhone, iPad and Mac with MagSafe for all and Apple Intelligence

February 27, 2026, 5:00 AM EST. Apple confirms a launch starting Monday, March 2, signaling three modernization moves across its lineup. First, every iPhone could sport MagSafe for the first time, pending the shift from the iPhone 16e to the iPhone 17e. MagSafe, debuted with the iPhone 12 in 2020, uses a magnetic back to attach wallets, stands and battery packs and aligns wireless charging. Second, Apple Intelligence could arrive on every new iPad, with an iPad 12 sporting an A18 chip and AI features. Third, every Mac laptop could also carry MagSafe, as Apple eyes a new MacBook powered by an A18 Pro chip below $999. The rollout starts Monday, with a March 4 media event in New York and hands-on coverage to follow.

AI-generated videos amplify Russia-linked disinformation, widening online influence

February 27, 2026, 4:52 AM EST. Russia-linked deepfake videos have surged, using AI to imitate real voices and faces to discredit EU institutions and Ukraine’s government. In one case, a synthetic face of a King’s College London professor, Alan Read, delivered a politicised tirade against Macron, illustrating how quickly such content can spread. Security analysts warn this marks a shift from isolated fakes to scalable influence, with costs near pennies per clip. OpenAI’s Sora2-released recently-raised realism and spurred a race among rivals to drop features like watermarks. OpenAI says it blocks deceptive content, but experts say governance lags. In December, AI-generated videos swirled on TikTok, urging Polexit and stoking tensions in Europe.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 leaks reveal ECG, HRV, dual GPS, 32-hour GPS battery ahead of launch

February 27, 2026, 4:48 AM EST. Huawei’s next running smartwatch, the Watch GT Runner 2, has leaked ahead of an official unveiling. WinFuture published images and early specs suggesting ECG and HRV tracking, dual GPS, and up to 32 hours of GPS battery life. The device reportedly features an AMOLED display, a titanium-tinged case, and a new AirDry strap option. Huawei is also expanding a feature set first seen on the Watch D2, including Intelligent Marathon Mode that acts as a coach before, during, and after a race. Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge fronts the campaign. Pricing and regional availability remain unconfirmed as launch approaches. The original Watch GT Runner impressed with its display and GPS but did not launch widely in the US.

Apple confirms ‘Big Week’ as iPhone 17e, M5 Macs targeted for Monday start

February 27, 2026, 4:44 AM EST. Apple’s Tim Cook posted on X that a ‘Big Week’ begins Monday, signaling a sequence of new product reveals. The plan appears to call for daily announcements Monday through Wednesday, with a 9 a.m. Eastern ‘Special Experience’ on March 4. The expected lineup includes the iPhone 17e, an updated iPad and iPad Air, and a family of Macs headlined by M5-powered MacBook Airs in 13- and 15-inch sizes, plus MacBook Pro variants and a new, colorful MacBook believed to run an A18 processor. A 12.9-inch model (often called 13-inch) is also rumored. Pre-orders are anticipated around March 4, with sales set for Friday, March 13.

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders go live with up to $900 trade-in savings and freebies

February 27, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. Samsung has opened pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 lineup-S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra-on its official site ahead of the February 25, 2026 launch. Promotions include up to $900 off via trade-ins, plus up to $150 in accessory credits and a FREE Galaxy Buds 4 bundle. The Ultra model also highlights a no-strings-attached option for additional Buds. Color choices include Cobalt Violet, White, Black, and Sky Blue, with exclusive options such as Pink Gold and Silver Shadow on Samsung’s site. Storage options run 256GB/512GB for S26 and S26+, and 256GB/512GB/1TB for Ultra. The official site typically offers the strongest pre-order discounts and instant trade-in savings, with other retailers varying.

ElevenLabs expands with Google Cloud, deploys NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs for enterprise AI voice tools

February 27, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. ElevenLabs and Google Cloud have extended their multi-year collaboration to scale enterprise AI voice tools globally, using Google Cloud’s AI stack and NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs. ElevenLabs will train and serve its voice models on G4 VMs powered by RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs, gaining access to larger GPU clusters for bigger deployments. The expansion supports real-time, multilingual voice agents and content localization into more than 70 languages. Solutions will be available via Google Cloud Marketplace, simplifying billing and compliance for customers. ElevenLabs will integrate Gemini models into its Agents Platform to enable reasoning and multi-step planning, while weaving Google’s Veo model into its Creative Platform for multimedia production. The deal widens global reach and enterprise adoption.

Artemis II delayed as NASA rolls SLS back to VAB; earliest launch now April 1

February 27, 2026, 4:30 AM EST. NASA rolled the Space Launch System back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center after a helium-flow issue surfaced in the interim cryogenic propulsion stage during a Feb. 19 wet dress rehearsal. Troubleshooting now requires access to the VAB, pushing Artemis II’s launch to no earlier than April 1. Dates under consideration in April include the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 30th, with May backup if needed. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman wrote on X that the team’s disappointment is shared across NASA’s ranks as they work through the problem. Officials say the issue could stem from one of three causes: a faulty final filter between the ground and flight vehicle, a failed QD umbilical interface, or a check valve that previously surfaced on Artemis I. Florida Today will provide updates.

Apple readies M5 MacBook Air with 3nm chip next week

February 27, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Apple is prepping a refreshed MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip, built on third-generation 3-nm tech. The model boosts CPU to up to 10 cores and GPU to up to 10 cores, delivering about 3.5x the CPU performance and 30% faster GPU versus the M4. A Neural Accelerator and a refreshed Neural Engine improve AI tasks and on-device performance. Unified memory bandwidth reaches 153GB/s, with RAM starting at 16GB and options for 24GB or 32GB. Storage remains 256GB to 2TB. Design is not expected to change this year, with OLED display rumors tied to future Pro updates. Sizes likely 13-inch and 15-inch, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, same speakers/mics/camera, and price starting at $1,099. Release could come next week after Tim Cook’s hints.

Space Force orbital warfare unit gains live satellite for training on advanced maneuvers

February 27, 2026, 4:16 AM EST. Guardians in the Space Force’s orbital warfare unit, Mission Delta 9, now have a live satellite to practice offensive and defensive space maneuvers. The satellite joined the force on the USSF-87 launch Feb. 12, alongside assets for the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program. Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon said operators will train in ways not possible with previous assets, likening the shift from civilian to military-grade flight to a new kind of aircraft. The exercise aims to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for orbital maneuvers, including aerobraking demonstrated on the X-37B mission. Officials also point to near-term concepts like on-orbit servicing and refueling to support rapid orbit changes within current constraints.

Pulsar opens Hong Kong APAC HQ to serve Asia maritime satellite connectivity

February 27, 2026, 4:06 AM EST. Pulsar International opened its APAC headquarters in Hong Kong to serve the Asia market. The company provides satellite internet communications, managed hybrid networking, cybersecurity and crew welfare services and already runs 20 offices across North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. The Hong Kong hub will coordinate expansion of connectivity offerings for the maritime sector in Asia, including shipping lines and offshore operators. The move signals Pulsar’s strategy to extend regional coverage and support for customers relying on reliable, global communications.

Huawei unveils Watch GT Runner 2, a marathon-focused wearable for runners

February 27, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. Huawei has reintroduced the GT Runner lineup with the Watch GT Runner 2, a lightweight circular smartwatch for runners. It features an ultra-slim 10.7mm case, 45.9mm diameter, and a weight of 34.5 grams, 10% lighter than its predecessor. Colors include Dawn Orange, Dusk Blue, Midnight Black with tri-tone straps. It debuts AirDry, a new strap technology that keeps raised threads away from skin for better airflow. Battery life: up to 32 hours in GPS mode, 14 days normal use. It adds Ultra-Precision Positioning with 3D floating antenna architecture for better location tracking under obstructions. Marathon Mode acts as a trainer, and TruSense health tracking with NPU-based algorithms.

CUDIS launches Sporty Series smart ring with AI Coach and integrated telehealth access

February 27, 2026, 3:58 AM EST. CUDIS unveiled the Sporty Series, a second-generation smart ring that ties biometric tracking to an AI Coach and direct access to licensed providers. The system delivers tailored daily tasks, recovery protocols, and supplement recommendations, with all data encrypted and secured through blockchain infrastructure. In partnership with Klarity Health, users can connect with more than 3,000 licensed providers across 200+ conditions, creating an insight-to-action pathway. CUDIS Age, the company’s biological age metric, shows how sleep, stress, movement, and recovery affect Pace of Aging. A rewards program awards Health Points redeemable in the CUDIS Store. Pre-orders begin February 26, 2026.

Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 gets Day-1 patch; amiibo release set for July 30, 2026

February 27, 2026, 3:52 AM EST. Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem launches on Switch 2 with a Day 1 patch (Version 1.1.0) described as fix-heavy but without specifics. Nintendo’s Japanese site notes the update should be installed before playing; if not preinstalled, players will be prompted to download it. A revised release on February 27, 2026, confirms the patch is out. The same page lists the amiibo, Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy, arriving July 30, 2026, which will unlock cosmetic skins for in-game weapons. The Switch 2 edition arrives alongside Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition. The article notes reader interest in how Requiem performs on Switch 2.

AI as a Creative Catalyst: BBC’s Manon Dave on the AI-Driven Future of Entertainment

February 27, 2026, 3:48 AM EST. Manon Dave, Head of Future World Design at BBC R&D, frames AI as a catalyst rather than a threat to creativity. He cites Sound Drive, a project for Will.i.am and Mercedes that used AI to decompose music into drums, melody, vocals and synth, then map those elements in real time to a car’s signals to generate a live soundtrack. Dave, who has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Idris Elba and Hans Zimmer, argues that tools like AI expand access and scale for talented artists, much as the synthesizer and Auto-Tune did in earlier decades. The debate shifts from fear of replacement to questions of who can use AI well, and how institutions like the BBC can bring AI-enabled creativity to broad audiences while protecting artists’ rights.

AI-driven memory shortage pushes smartphone prices to record highs, IDC says

February 27, 2026, 3:46 AM EST. An IDC report describes a tsunami-like shock from AI-driven demand for memory chips that is tightening supply and lifting prices across smartphones. The firm cautions the shortage could push the average selling price of phones up about 14% this year to a record $523, while devices below $100 become scarce. IDC also forecasts a 12.9% drop in 2026 smartphone sell-through to about 1.12 billion units. The crunch stems from AI-driven data-center growth drawing memory-chip output away from consumer devices. Apple and Samsung are expected to be shielded, while smaller Android makers face greater pressure. IDC’s Nabila Popal says there is no return to business as usual for vendors or consumers. The trend centers on DRAM and other memory components.

GPS IIIF satellites aim to make GPS jam-proof in conflict zones

February 27, 2026, 3:44 AM EST. GPS Block IIIF, the follow-on to GPS III, is designed to resist jamming and spoofing with regional military protection beamforming and encrypted data. Lockheed says 12 satellites will deploy from 2027 to 2037, after the final GPS III launch in early 2026. The constellation adds a laser retro-reflector array for precise tracking and an energetic charged-particle sensor to monitor space weather that could affect availability. An orbital servicing capability is planned to enable upgrades without full replacement. It also includes a search-and-rescue beacon detection system to help locate people in hard-to-reach areas. The first four satellites are due to launch on a Vulcan Centaur rocket in 2027-2028.

Thief Simulator VR launches on Meta Quest in early access

February 27, 2026, 3:42 AM EST. Thief Simulator VR arrives on Meta Quest in early access, offering a modern sandbox burglary experience. The VR title lets players roam neighborhoods, case houses and plan heists, emphasizing stealth and improvisation. The current build lists around 10 hours of story content, with further updates expected as development continues in early access.

Yotta to build $2 billion AI hub in India with Nvidia GPUs; plans IPO within a year

February 27, 2026, 3:34 AM EST. Yotta Data Services plans a $2 billion AI hub powered by Nvidia GPUs, with a pre-IPO round of $1.2-1.5 billion and a planned listing within 12 months. Gupta says Yotta currently controls about 60-70% of India’s GPU capacity, and domestic demand is outpacing supply as Indian AI models scale and user bases grow. At the India AI summit, projects like Sarvam AI’s Indus were showcased amid a wave of cloud and data-center investments. Analysts from Nomura project India’s total data-center capacity at 1.93 GW in 2025, rising to about 4 GW by 2028. Global players including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are expanding in India, intensifying competition for local GPU and data-center infrastructure.

Acme Weather centers forecast uncertainty in new app

February 27, 2026, 3:32 AM EST. Acme Weather, the team behind Dark Sky after its Apple acquisition, returns with a weather app that foregrounds uncertainty. Instead of a single forecast, the app shows multiple possible outcomes for the day-rain could start at 9am, or be delayed by hours; temperatures and precipitation type change across scenarios. The goal is to help people plan with a clearer sense of risk and potential variation. The company touts ensemble-style projections and transparent confidence levels, rather than pretending perfect accuracy. Features teased include rainbow alerts and dramatic sunsets, adding a playful counterpoint to the math. The product underscores a shift in consumer weather tools: forecasting as probabilistic guidance, not a single prophecy.

Android 17 Beta 2 expands bubbles to windowed mode across apps

February 27, 2026, 3:30 AM EST. Google’s Android 17 Beta 2 expands ‘bubbles’ into two distinct features. First, chat bubbles for messaging apps remain, but a second, windowed mode introduces floating, resizable app windows across the system. The change broadens the bubbles API beyond messaging, letting non-messaging apps appear in a picture-in-picture-like flow. On foldables and tablets, a taskbar shortcut lets users drag an app into a corner to launch a floating window. Google says the experience is a productivity upgrade and urges developers to follow existing multi-window guidelines so apps work as bubbles. Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet owners may see the most noticeable gains in multitasking, though the technology aims to reach all Android devices over time.

Texas at the heart of Amazon’s AI push with Trainium chips

February 27, 2026, 3:28 AM EST. Amazon is expanding its in-house AI chip program with Trainium, built by Annapurna Labs in Austin, Texas. The effort aims to cut reliance on Nvidia GPUs, as AWS scales its Bedrock platform, letting customers choose from rival AI models. Trainium 3, released recently, is said to double the capabilities of the second generation while fitting on a card-sized package. Annapurna engineers say the chips can cut the cost of developing and running generative AI by up to 40% versus GPUs. AWS does not sell Trainium externally; it runs the chips in its own data centers and leases compute power to customers. Texas is drawing investment with cheap energy, favorable incentives, and affordable real estate for massive data centers.

Anthropic resists Pentagon demand to remove AI safety checks

February 27, 2026, 3:26 AM EST. Anthropic said it cannot in good conscience comply with a Pentagon request to remove safety guardrails from its Claude AI and grant the US military unfettered access. The DoD threatened to cancel a $200 million contract and label Anthropic a supply-chain risk if the company did not concede by Friday. CEO Dario Amodei said the threats would not change the stance and urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reconsider. The dispute centers on how Claude can be used: the Pentagon seeks a permissive mode for lawful use; Anthropic rejects mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons without human input. After months of pressure, Anthropic positions itself as safety-first amid government push on AI.

Industrial OT exposure on the internet climbs as public portals proliferate, report finds

February 27, 2026, 3:18 AM EST. Industrial operators still run OT services on public IPs, exposing remote access portals and building automation. The Intelligence-Driven Active Defense Report 2026, by Palo Alto Networks, Siemens and Idaho National Laboratory, highlights a surge in exposure. Cortex Xpanse logged more than 110 million observations of OT devices exposed to the internet in 2024, up 138% from 2023. About 19.63 million unique OT devices and services were fingerprinted, a 332% rise, on 1.77 million IPv4 addresses (+41.6%). The US, China and Germany host the most exposed devices, with Beijing, Frankfurt and Shenzhen prominent. Leading products include Tridium Niagara, Linear eMerge and Saia PCD Web Server. Common exposure points include web ports (443/80) and OT ports (5011, 502, 47808). A study of 61,000 OT firewalls shows 70% of OT attacks start in IT networks, with long dwell times.

Memory shortage to hit smartphone shipments with largest dip in over a decade, IDC says

February 27, 2026, 3:14 AM EST. IDC forecasts a 12.9% year-on-year fall in smartphone shipments this year, the largest in more than a decade. Global volumes slide from 1.26 billion in 2025 to about 1.12 billion in 2026. The driver is a RAM shortage spurred by AI-data center demand, pushing memory prices higher. IDC expects the average selling price (ASP) to rise roughly 14% to a record $523 as the market consolidates and low-end devices shrink. Regions such as Middle East and Africa may drop more than 20%; China and broader Asia Pacific could fall about 10%-13%. RAM prices are seen stabilizing by mid-2027. Carl Pei warned that higher costs could force brands to raise prices or cut specs in 2026, signaling a market reset.

GitHub announces general availability of Enterprise AI Controls and agent control plane

February 27, 2026, 3:12 AM EST. GitHub has made generally available its Enterprise AI Controls and agent control plane, a governance suite for admins to oversee AI use across enterprise environments. The GA release adds an AI administration role and workspace, plus a consolidated enterprise view for tasks tied to AI systems. Audit logs now show an actor_is_agent field and a new agent_session.task event, enabling visibility into who agents act for and session outcomes. Administrators can view cloud agent activity in the last 24 hours and manage a centralized MCP allowlist via a registry URL. Custom agents can be standardized with version control and a 1-click push rule to protect the static path (e.g., .github/agents/*.md). The release also improves discovery and configuration, including filtered logs for Copilot and third-party agents.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra: Privacy Display leads feature set

February 27, 2026, 3:08 AM EST. Samsung unveils the Galaxy S26 Ultra at Galaxy Unpacked, joining the S26 and S26 Plus. The Ultra keeps the Ultra formula but centers on a new feature: a Privacy Display that hides content from the sides and can be tuned per app or notification. The S26 Ultra is marginally larger and lighter than its predecessors and uses an aluminum frame instead of titanium. It features a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel at 3,120 by 1,440 with a 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. Internals gain a faster processor and up to 16GB of RAM, plus faster charging. Camera hardware remains the same as prior Ultras: 200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 10 MP tele at 3x and 50 MP tele at 5x. Price stays $1,300. Relative to the S25 Ultra and S24 Ultra, changes are incremental, with Privacy Display the standout.

Apple Watch Series 11 stands out in wearability after months testing Android smartwatches

February 27, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. After months testing Android smartwatches, the author rarely kept any on for long, returning to analog pieces. The Apple Watch Series 11 changes that. A 46mm model feels lighter and less obtrusive, with a 9.7mm thickness that lets it disappear on the wrist until a notification nudges it awake. The curved case and ergonomic design cut friction-no pinching, excess sweat, or cuff snagging-delivering true wearability. While many Android watches are functional, few sustain daily interest. The piece argues that comfort drives lasting appeal, and that Apple’s approach in the Series 11 sets it apart in the crowded smartwatch market.

Netflix to air first live F1 race in US under Apple TV deal

February 27, 2026, 2:56 AM EST. Netflix will broadcast its first live F1 race in the United States this year, under a deal with Apple TV that secures US rights to F1 content. Apple TV will also stream Netflix’s Drive to Survive in the US, while Netflix will carry live coverage of May’s Canadian Grand Prix. Apple’s multi-view offering lets viewers watch up to four feeds, with on-board and driver-tracker options, bespoke team channels and even Sky Sports F1 coverage. Some races will be free-to-watch, and Tubi will show select events. Eddy Cue of Apple called the plan surprising; F1 rights chief Ian Holmes said the service will be unlike anything US fans have seen.

Bezos-backed AI lab with $30B seeks tens of billions in industrial deals

February 27, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. Bezos-backed AI lab with a $30 billion endowment is pursuing large industrial partnerships, seeking tens of billions in deal value with manufacturers, logistics providers and other heavy industries. People familiar with the plan say the effort aims to knit advanced AI into real-world use cases-predictive maintenance, robotics, energy and supply-chain optimization-across sectors. The strategy marks a shift from pure research to applied, revenue-generating collaboration leveraging the lab’s data, hardware and cloud assets. Analysts note governance, competition and security questions, while backers say the deals could accelerate AI adoption in manufacturing and infrastructure.

Samsung launches Galaxy S26 pre-orders with trade-in credits; TV and monitor deals

February 27, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Samsung opened pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 lineup, offering up to $500 instant trade-in credit for the S26, up to $700 for the S26+, up to $900 for the S26 Ultra, and $150 Samsung credit if you don’t trade in. The rollout includes discounts on The Frame TVs and related models, with examples such as the 2025 65-inch Frame at $1,199.99 (down $600) and the 75-inch Frame Pro at $1,999.99 (down $1,200). Other frame and Neo QLED models are on sale. In monitors, select buys include a free copy of Resident Requiem after registration-examples: 27-inch Odyssey OLED G50SF $349.99 and 49-inch Odyssey G95C $849.99. Additional sizes and specs are discounted as listed by Samsung.

Apple Vision Pro update fixes MultiView flicker for MLS and F1 streams

February 27, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Apple has pushed out visionOS 26.3.1 to address a flicker bug in Sports MultiView within the Apple TV app. The update arrives two weeks after visionOS 26.3 and ahead of a busy sports season. MultiView, introduced in 2024, lets users display multiple virtual screens, a feature growing in use as Apple extends sports coverage. The fix is timely for MLS games that stream concurrently and the potential for multiple F1 views during races. Apple notes the issue occurred specifically when using MultiView; no new features were announced. With the F1 season starting March 8, owners of the Vision Pro can expect steadier streams and a more immersive, albeit still nascent, multi-display watching experience.

Nvidia earnings spark investor caution as AI hype cools

February 27, 2026, 2:40 AM EST. Nvidia posted quarterly results that looked stellar on paper-record sales and near-doubling profits-but investors adopted a gloomier view after the call. The stock slid after hours and finished down the next day. Analysts note a shift in sentiment toward AI beyond the company itself, with questions about customers’ ability to sustain heavy chip purchases and about free cash flow at the hyperscalers. On the earnings call, CEO Jensen Huang cited confidence in customers’ cash flow growth, a stance some traders argued conflicts with recent reports from Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Google. Finance blogger Michael Burry highlighted a jump in Nvidia’s purchase obligations, tied to higher prices for parts from TSMC, signaling non-cancellable orders ahead of demand.

Google’s Nano Banana 2 speeds up AI image generation, adds real-time web data in Gemini

February 27, 2026, 2:38 AM EST. Google introduced Nano Banana 2, the latest version of its AI image generator. It blends capabilities from Nano Banana Pro-text rendering and web search-with faster image creation and stronger editing. Nano Banana 2 becomes the default image model in Google’s Gemini chatbot and is accessible via the Gemini app or website, plus Google’s Search tools, AI Studio and Cloud services. Google says the model pulls real-time information from the web, enabling infographics and up-to-date visuals. In a hands-on test, the initial outputs looked solid but displayed occasional wobbliness and plausible inaccuracies; Gemini corrected a weather forecast by replacing text with current data. The tool continues the trend of photorealistic AI that can modify existing images, underscoring the need to scrutinize unverified visuals online.

Apple eyes mid-2026 India launch of Apple Pay with UPI integration: report

February 27, 2026, 2:34 AM EST. Apple is in talks with Indian banks and payment networks to launch Apple Pay in India, Bloomberg reports, naming ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank as participants. The company aims for a mid-2026 rollout, though schedules can shift. Conversations also involve Mastercard and Visa. Apple declined comment; banks and networks did not immediately respond. The service is expected to support UPI alongside card payments, echoing India’s dominant real-time rails. The Indian market hosts Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm, with global and local players. Analysts note India’s fast-growing digital payments scene, fueled by smartphone adoption and cheap data. Apple would leverage biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID) for in-store and online payments, a capability expanded by India’s regulator.

US AI Future Hangs on Taiwan Chip Supply Amid Geopolitical Risk

February 27, 2026, 2:20 AM EST. Washington faces a potential choke point as a disruption to Taiwan’s semiconductor exports could hobble the US tech ecosystem. The island and TSMC supply the vast majority of the world’s advanced chips, powering AI, cloud computing, consumer electronics and defense systems. The New York Times notes that despite Biden and Trump efforts to spur domestic chip production, the sector remains heavily dependent on Taiwanese chips. A 2022 report by the Semiconductor Industry Association warned a Taiwan blockade could trigger an economic crisis exceeding the 2008 recession, with US output falling about 11% and China’s by 16%. Even with a planned $200 billion push to build plants by 2030, the US may hold only about 10% of global market share. Investors still view Taiwan’s chip ecosystem as a key AI enabler, bolstering its stock rally.

Virgin Media O2 launches UK’s first satellite-to-mobile service powered by Starlink

February 27, 2026, 2:18 AM EST. Virgin Media O2 has activated the UK’s first satellite-to-mobile service, using Starlink’s Direct to Cell to extend coverage into areas with no traditional mobile signal. The system uses Starlink’s LEO satellites to deliver connectivity directly to O2 licensed spectrum from space, initially supporting text and data across apps such as WhatsApp, Maps and BBC Weather. Coverage grows from 89% to 95% of UK landmass, roughly two-thirds the size of Wales. The service launches as a £3-per-month bolt-on, with Ultimate Plan customers to receive it at no extra cost in the near future. Initial device support is limited to Samsung Galaxy S25 family; O2 says support for other devices and apps will follow. Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, calls it a defining moment for UK mobile connectivity.

NASA delays Artemis II launch to March after wet dress rehearsal

February 27, 2026, 2:12 AM EST. NASA has pushed the earliest possible Artemis II launch to March after completing a wet dress rehearsal of the Space Launch System, the rocket that will carry four astronauts on a 10-day loop around the moon. Cold weather delayed fueling, revealing hydrogen leaks that will prompt a second rehearsal and a possible rollback for servicing. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the test surfaces problems before flight. If March slips, a rollback to replace upper-stage batteries could be required. The crew-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency-will be quarantined before launch. NASA had listed March 6-11 as potential launch dates.

Donut Labs’ solid-state battery tests; Tesla exec exits; solar pays back quickly

February 27, 2026, 2:10 AM EST. Electrek’s Quick Charge episode notes that Donut Labs’ claimed solid-state battery tech remains far from proven, with testing underway. It also reports that Victor Nechita, Tesla’s former vehicle program manager for the Cybercab, is leaving as part of a broader exodus of top staff. A separate study of 5,000 home sales finds rooftop solar pays back the investment almost immediately. The episode also promotes audio versions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms.

Oppo previews crease-less Find N6 display ahead of March launch

February 27, 2026, 2:08 AM EST. Oppo gave reporters a behind-the-scenes look at the Find N6 as it edges toward a March launch. The company says the crease-less display is the product of three years of work and dozens of prototypes, with a refined assembly and tolerances down to 0.03mm. An automated test stand repeats folding about 300,000 times to stress the hinge; one unit mid-test had reached 170,000 cycles without a noticeable crease. Oppo notes TÜV Rheinland tests flagged it as one of the flattest foldables yet. The inner panel is said to measure 8.12 inches and the cover panel 6.62 inches, though sizes aren’t officially confirmed. Leaks point to a quad camera tuned by Hasselblad with a 200MP sensor, plus a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging.

Google expands Nano Banana 2 AI image tool to free Gemini users

February 27, 2026, 2:04 AM EST. Google is rolling out Nano Banana 2, also known as Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, to free Gemini users across the Gemini app, AI Mode in Search, Lens, the Google app and Flow. The update brings real-time information, web-search images and a real-world knowledge base to generation without a paid tier. DeepMind product manager Naina Raisinghani says Nano Banana 2 can render specific subjects more accurately and produce more relevant data for infographics. Free users also get legible text in images and localized translation, previously behind Google AI Plus, Pro or Ultra. Visuals show more vibrant lighting, richer textures and sharper details, with support for up to five characters and 14 objects in one workflow. Nano Banana 2 replaces Nano Banana Pro in most modes; Pro/Ultra subscribers retain access for specialized tasks.

EV Battery Cell and Pack Materials Market to Reach $38B by 2030; Ford, BYD, CATL Lead

February 27, 2026, 1:50 AM EST. Research and Markets projects the EV battery cell and pack materials market to grow from about $19.14 billion in 2025 to $21.97 billion in 2026, and to $38.02 billion by 2030, a CAGR near 14.7%. Growth hinges on broader EV adoption, the dominance of lithium-ion chemistry, and a shift toward solid-state tech, higher energy density, and domestic manufacturing. Key drivers include cost reductions, recycling mandates, and incentives to localize supply chains. Major players cited: Ford, BYD, Panasonic, SK Innovation, CATL, and LG Chem. The Asia-Pacific region remained the largest market in 2025. Highlights include CATL’s Shenxing LFP 4C fast charging and Volvo’s 2024 acquisition of Proterra’s battery unit, signaling progress in safety, cost, and battery modules.

Samsung Galaxy XR stands out for seamless Android app compatibility via Google Play Store

February 27, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. Android Central reviewer Nick Sutrich says the Galaxy XR’s real edge is seamless Android app compatibility via the Google Play Store. The headset pairs strong hardware with an XR-optimized OS so users can run Android apps without extra steps. In tests, nearly every Android app loaded and performed well, and the device doubles as a PC monitor via apps like Virtual Desktop, helping users stay in the flow instead of juggling devices. Specs underscore the package: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 3552×3840 display at 90Hz, six cameras for world tracking, and a 2.5-hour battery. The design and ecosystem, plus multi-device compatibility, are what make the Galaxy XR stand out.

Budget MacBook could reshape Apple’s laptop lineup

February 27, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Rumors indicate Apple will unveil a budget MacBook powered by an iPhone chip at its March 4 event. The device would sit below the MacBook Air, potentially prompting Apple to reposition the Air as a mid-range model and widen the gap to the higher-end MacBook Pro line. The Air, currently starting at $999, is criticized for an aging display and chip. A cheaper alternative could boost portability and battery life but use a slower processor. Pro models showcase brighter, higher-resolution displays with mini-LED and ProMotion up to 120 Hz. If confirmed, Apple would rework pricing and specs across the lineup to create space between budget, Air and Pro options.

Burger King tests AI headset to coach politeness with OpenAI-powered Patty

February 27, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. Burger King is expanding its BK Assistant platform, rolling out a voice-enabled AI chatbot named Patty to hundreds of U.S. locations. The system, powered by OpenAI and integrated with employee headsets, can detect whether workers use words such as welcome, please, and thank you during customer interactions. Burger King says the tool is a coaching and operational support system, not a way to score individuals or enforce scripts. Managers would receive real-time insights to improve hospitality and service patterns. The broader platform also handles inventory alerts, menu updates, and order-prep guidance, and can prompt staff about bathroom cleanliness. About 500 restaurants are piloting Patty; full rollout to all U.S. locations is planned by end-2026. The move echoes McDonald’s halt of AI drive-thru programs last year.

Burger King tests OpenAI-powered headsets to coach staff and manage operations

February 27, 2026, 1:42 AM EST. Restaurant Brands International is piloting OpenAI-powered headsets in 500 Burger King outlets in the United States. The system, called Patty, speaks to workers and streams data on operations, inventory and customer feedback. If a drink machine runs low on a beverage or a QR-coded report flags a messy bathroom, Patty alerts the store manager. Employees can ask Patty for menu-item guidance or request removal of sold-out items from digital menus. RBI says the venture is aimed at coaching staff, not tracking individuals, and officials say it could raise service levels by monitoring whether staff use greetings such as ‘welcome’ and ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ The Associated Press queried the capability, and RBI reiterated the coaching intent.

BCIT taps U.S. battery-fire safety tech to train EV technicians amid Canada’s EV surge

February 27, 2026, 1:40 AM EST. Electric-vehicle adoption is reshaping technician training in Canada. BCIT says it began incorporating a Connecticut-based battery-safety technology into several automotive courses this year to address safety challenges linked to high-voltage lithium batteries. The initiative aims to prepare technicians for a growing EV fleet in British Columbia and to align local training with the safety practices needed for battery incidents. BCIT officials emphasize practical, hands-on use of the technology as part of existing curricula, reflecting a broader shift toward standardized battery-fire safety training across the province.

BMW, CATL seal MoU to cut EV battery supply-chain carbon emissions

February 27, 2026, 1:38 AM EST. BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse and CATL signed a memorandum of understanding to cut carbon in the EV battery supply chain during Zipse’s China visit with German Chancellor Merz. The MoU aims to optimize sourcing and manufacturing to lower the carbon footprint of BMW’s electric vehicles. BMW has invested over 120 billion yuan in its Shenyang base, built four R&D centers and three software firms as part of a broad China localization push. The agreement reinforces BMW’s China strategy and the Neue Klasse is BMW’s new-generation BEV-dedicated architecture; its China-made iX3 Long Wheelbase debuts at Auto China 2026 and is tuned for Chinese buyers. CATL said in December 2024 it would supply cylindrical batteries for Neue Klasse from 2026, underscoring low-carbon, mass production.

NASA moves Artemis moon rocket off launch pad for repairs, delaying lunar flight

February 27, 2026, 1:36 AM EST. NASA moved its grounded Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s launch pad back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for additional repairs. The 322-foot rocket had spent a month on the pad awaiting liftoff before a series of problems halted progress. Managers ordered the rollback after a helium pressurization fault, following hydrogen fuel leaks that had already delayed the mission. The slow move, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers), will push Artemis II-the crewed lunar fly-around-into at least April. The delays reflect ongoing checks of the rocket’s systems as NASA aims for a back-to-the-Moon schedule with a U.S.-Canadian crew.

IonQ rockets after quarterly beat; raises 2025 revenue guidance

February 27, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. IonQ jumped about 23% after the session as the quantum-computing company beat Q4 targets. It reported a non-GAAP loss per share of $0.20 on revenue of $61.89 million, topping estimates for a $0.23 loss on $40.38 million. Sales rose about 429% year over year, with margins also better than expected. For 2025, IonQ guided revenue to $225 million to $245 million, above consensus near $192.6 million. With a midpoint around the guide, the company trades at roughly 62x forward sales and faces a high-risk, high-reward path tied to growth. The move signals ongoing demand for quantum tech, even as the stock remains volatile amid broader market pressures.

Meta Quest 4 Core Design Revealed in Meta Firmware Leaks

February 27, 2026, 1:26 AM EST. Data miners Luna and Samulis found a low-res render and a stylized outline in Meta firmware, offering a first look at what appears to be a VR headset rather than smart glasses. The device reportedly relies on a separate computing puck to house the processor and battery, reducing headset bulk, and omits the rear head-interface in the leak. eye tracking appears as a new feature, aligning with capabilities in the Apple Vision Pro and the Quest Pro, but not the Quest 3. Some leaks hint at micro OLED display tech instead of the Quest 3’s LCD. Analysts caution that internal Reality Labs changes-staff cuts and a Horizon Worlds pivot-temper confidence that these plans are fixed. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth signaled a shift to let VR be what it is.

NASA lunar probe Lunar Trailblazer failed after launch due to pointing software error, panel finds

February 27, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. NASA’s review panel says a software error caused the Lunar Trailblazer’s solar panels to face away from the sun, contributing to the mission’s loss a day after the February 26, 2025 launch. The $72 million mission, built by Lockheed Martin to map lunar water, never regained contact. The panel flagged ‘many erroneous on-board fault management actions’ that, with the pointing software issue, doomed the mission. NASA released the findings under a Freedom of Information Act request, noting that failures in complex systems are often cascading. Timothy Cook, a former Terriers project manager, likened it to multi-point failures. Lockheed Martin and NASA said they learned from the loss, while stressing that lower-cost missions carry higher risk. The firms are tightening fault management, flight software, and pre-launch testing.

Apple details F1 streaming features, with Netflix content swap

February 27, 2026, 1:22 AM EST. Apple TV subscribers will have access to all live F1 feeds-races, practice and qualifying-without a separate package, via the TV app on Apple devices and many smart TVs. The video will be 4K HDR with 5.1 audio and, Apple says, less compression than rivals. The TV app supports Multiview for up to four feeds, with one-click presets (for example a Red Bull layout) and fully customizable views. Audio is available in English and Spanish; the primary feed comes from F1 TV, with an option to use the widely used Sky Sports feed. More than 30 extra feeds include a race tracker, driver data, podium channels and 22 driver cameras. Vision Pro users can add a fifth camera view. Separately, Apple and Netflix agreed a deal to swap F1 content, with the latest Drive to Survive season premiering on both services and a non-exclusive Canadian Grand Prix on Netflix.

128 GB RAM SteamOS gaming tablet: Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP proves fast for AAA titles

February 27, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. ETA Prime finds the Asus ROG Flow Z13-KJP’s performance varies by OS, with SteamOS delivering about 12 FPS more on Cyberpunk 2077 than Windows but worse results in Death Stranding, underscoring ongoing driver work by Strix Halo. The device carries a 70 Wh battery and, in WLAN use at 40% brightness, lasts over 6 hours; gaming at 50% brightness nets roughly 5 hours in a light title, but drops to about 1.5 hours or less for AAA titles at 45-70 W. Pricing is steep: the 128 GB RAM model with 1 TB storage is $3,699.99 with March 3 shipping; a 32 GB RAM variant with 1 TB and Ryzen AI Max+ 395 sells for $2,200 and includes Crimson Desert. The tablet remains a high-end, portable gaming option, Windows or SteamOS.

Made-for-VR racer Raceclub hits Quest in Early Access

February 27, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Mixer Lab’s made-for-VR racer Raceclub lands on Meta Quest in Early Access, promising an authentic driving experience. Players pick between two chassis styles: a 12-cylinder car inspired by Formula 1 and a nimble electric model evoking Formula E, where managing regenerative braking and power modes matters. Multiple race modes offer variety while multiplayer is planned for a post-Early Access update. The game is available today in the Horizon Store for $12.99, with a limited-time early-bird price of $9.99.

Burger King’s AI chatbot to assist employees with operations and boost friendliness

February 27, 2026, 1:10 AM EST. Burger King rolled out a new AI chatbot to help store employees with day-to-day operations and to boost customer-facing friendliness. The tool guides workers through tasks, answers operational questions, and standardizes responses. The rollout reflects a broader push by quick-service brands to deploy automation amid staffing pressures and rising service expectations. Burger King declined to share rollout size or performance metrics. Analysts say internal chatbots can shorten training and improve consistency, but cautions remain about overreliance on automation in frontline roles and the need to preserve human judgment in service.

Apple asks judge to dismiss investor suit over Siri AI progress and Epic injunction

February 27, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. Apple asked a federal judge on Feb. 26 to dismiss a proposed class action alleging it defrauded shareholders by overstating progress on Siri AI features and misrepresenting its ability to comply with a 2021 injunction in the Epic Games case. The plaintiff says Apple overstated AI progress and misled investors about compliance prospects; Apple says there’s no proof it knew the timeline would slip and it did not guarantee injunction compliance. In Epic, a judge said Apple ignored the 2021 order to let developers direct payments outside the App Store; an appeals court rejected that view, while requiring consideration of commissions on external transactions, but not the 27% rate. Siri’s AI overhaul has faced delays; March features are now expected in May (iOS 26.5) and September (iOS 27). Separately, Apple asked to dismiss a racketeering suit by Fintiv.

Anthropic CEO rejects Pentagon demands to drop AI safeguards

February 27, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Anthropic’s CEO pushed back on reports that the Pentagon sought to loosen AI safeguards. The company said it would not drop safety rules for its systems, even as discussions about defense collaborations continue. Earlier, a Pentagon spokesman posted on X that the narrative was fake and state propaganda, rejecting claims the DoD aimed to use Anthropic for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. The exchange spotlights tensions over how the government should oversee advanced AI and how tech firms balance safeguards with potential defense work. Analysts say the episode underscores broader debates about AI governance, industry safeguards, and the limits of private involvement in military AI.

AI skills surge, but leadership and human skills become key to progress, ManpowerGroup finds

February 27, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. AI skills are now the hardest to hire for globally, even as demand grows. A ManpowerGroup survey of 39,063 employers across 41 countries shows 72% report difficulties filling roles, only slightly down from last year. Human skills remain top, with 39% seeking communication, collaboration and teamwork; 36% for professionalism and work ethic; and 34% for adaptability and willingness to learn. On the technical side, AI skills have surpassed all others in shortage. Shortages include AI model and application development (20%), AI literacy (19%), and engineering (19%). Analysts say success will depend on leadership-judgment, empathy, decision-making, systems thinking-and on accelerating upskilling and experimentation to align people with machines.

Three Day Rule uses AI-powered matchmaking in new dating app

February 27, 2026, 12:56 AM EST. Three Day Rule, a new matchmaking app, uses an AI-generated algorithm to pair clients. In a February 27, 2026 report, Wired’s Molly Higgins shares her experience with NBC News’ Ellison Barber, outlining the service’s strengths, drawbacks, and what it could mean for the future of dating apps.

Pentagon says it would only use Anthropic AI in legal ways

February 27, 2026, 12:50 AM EST. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said the company ‘cannot in good conscience accede’ to the Defense Department’s push for unrestricted use of its AI. The exchange deepens a public clash as negotiations threaten to end the contract by Friday. The maker of Claude said new contract language did little to prevent its models from being used for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the military has no interest in mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. Anthropic’s policies already bar these uses. The company remains the last major AI vendor with a Pentagon contract not yet routed into a new U.S. military internal network, a distinction shared with Google, OpenAI and xAI. The stalemate underscores broader limits on commercial AI tech in defense.

Samsung unveils Galaxy S26 series with privacy display, Gemini features at Unpacked

February 27, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. Samsung introduced the Galaxy S26 lineup – Ultra, Plus and standard – at its Unpacked event in San Francisco. The trio shares the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with the Ultra packing a 6.9-inch QHD+ display, a 5,000 mAh battery and S-Pen support. Camera specs include a 200-megapixel wide and 50-megapixel telephoto lens, with wider apertures (f/1.4 and f/2.9) on both sensors. Prices begin at $899 for the S26, $1,099 for the S26 Plus and $1,200 for the S26 Ultra; some markets will ship with Samsung’s Exynos 2600. A privacy display lets users blur or hide parts of the screen, including the login field. Google showed Gemini agentic update and Circle to Search that highlights on-screen items for multi-object recognition. Samsung also partners with Perplexity to preload its app and use its APIs.

Bank of America raises Nvidia target to $300 after earnings; stock slides

February 27, 2026, 12:44 AM EST. Nvidia reported its Q4 earnings after the bell on Feb. 25, delivering revenue of about $68.1 billion, up 20% sequentially and 73% year over year. Yet the stock fell about 5.6% by Feb. 26, as investors weighed valuation and AI cycle sensitivities. CEO Jensen Huang has said AI is not a bubble, even as he noted market reactions hinge on quarterly results. Nvidia said it does not count any China Data Center compute revenue in its outlook; CFO Colette Kress said some H200 products for China were approved but no revenue yet and imports remain uncertain. Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya raised the 2027 non-GAAP EPS to $8.11 and lifted the target to $300 from $275, citing stronger Q1 guidance and a higher multiple. The note reflects added stock compensation and tax changes.

Bay Area teen grows free AI education into international movement

February 27, 2026, 12:42 AM EST. An 18-year-old San Francisco high schooler, Jacob Shaul, founded Mode to Code to provide free technology education. He teaches AI and coding to people across generations, volunteering at Frank Residences and expanding online. What began as a sophomore project grew into an international movement, with online classes in a dozen countries, middle-school after-school coding, and senior programs that help spot cyber scams. Residents praised Shaul’s clarity during lessons on deepfakes, saying it makes the topics less intimidating. The facility’s executive director notes the program keeps residents connected to the outside world and safer online. Shaul plans to pursue software engineering in college and hopes to carry Mode to Code with him, continuing to broaden access to technology for those who need it most.

AI Hurtles Ahead: Memo Expands on Claude’s Tutorial and AI’s Shifting Landscape

February 27, 2026, 12:36 AM EST. An investor’s addendum to a December memo on AI draws on Claude, Anthropic’s model, and a tutorial that outlines how AI has evolved in three months. The piece frames Claude’s output as more than a data fetcher: a system that synthesizes information and reasons from it. It describes two lifecycle stages-training, which teaches the model how to think, and deployment-where learned reasoning patterns apply to new situations. The author notes Claude’s essay-like clarity, its humor, and its candid acknowledgment of limits, calling it a rare, personal-sounding explanation. The memo promises to recapture Claude’s 10,000-word piece while adding the author’s own observations and defining new terms for readers. The exercise underscores the journalist-investor tension: curiosity, caution, and the pace of change in the AI landscape.

Apple readies two MacBook Pro revs: M5 Pro/Max next week, M6 with OLED and touchscreen later

February 27, 2026, 12:30 AM EST. Apple plans back-to-back MacBook Pro launches this year. Next week, Tim Cook confirmed two 14-inch and 16-inch models ship with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, preserving the exterior of the October M5 but boosting performance. For buyers who can wait, a later release targets the M6 MacBook Pro with a brand-new design, an OLED touchscreen featuring Dynamic Island, and potential cellular connectivity. The M6 is expected to deliver a larger performance leap, while the previous redesigns drew criticism over ports and a problematic Butterfly keyboard. If you want the strongest current option, the M5 Pro/M5 Max will satisfy; if a new chassis and display tech appeal, waiting for the M6 could pay off.

Woolworths curbs AI assistant Olive after mother rambling

February 27, 2026, 12:24 AM EST. Australian grocer Woolworths has moved to rein in its AI-powered customer-service assistant, Olive, after customers reported it rambling about its mother and engaging in fake banter during calls. Posts on Reddit and X described birthday prompts triggering personal reminiscences about Olive’s mother. Woolworths said earlier versions included birthday-related scripting created years ago to personalise chats and that the company has now removed that content. The retailer confirmed the Olive project remains active and noted a January partnership with Google to expand tasks, such as meal planning. AI agents are common but can hallucinate or produce non-existent details, a risk emphasized by experts.

Resident Evil Requiem GeForce RTX 50 Series bundle launches globally

February 27, 2026, 12:20 AM EST. Capcom and NVIDIA unveiled a worldwide Resident Evil Requiem bundle tied to the GeForce RTX 50 Series. Eligible desktops, laptops and graphics cards from participating system builders and retailers qualify for the promotion. After purchase, customers redeem through the NVIDIA app and immediately add Resident Evil Requiem to their Steam library. A Game Ready Driver released ahead of the game’s February 27 launch will ensure hardware delivers the title’s visuals. The offer covers GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti and corresponding laptop GPUs, with terms varying by region and availability limited to qualifying partners. Redeemers must meet age restrictions and redeem in the appropriate region; see the bundle homepage for country-specific lists and conditions.

DLSS 4 Adds Path Tracing to Resident Evil Requiem; Toxic Commando Demo This Week; Crimson Desert March 19

February 27, 2026, 12:18 AM EST. GeForce RTX PCs can run path tracing visuals in Resident Evil Requiem, enhanced by DLSS Ray Reconstruction. The PC version is optimized ahead of the February 26 launch at 9 p.m. PT. On RTX 50 Series GPUs, players can enable DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation to boost frame rates at high settings. The game uses a first-person and optional third-person view to deliver tense survival horror with realistic lighting-path tracing draws multiple shadows, reflections and refractions through glass for more natural light. Nvidia also teased a John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando demo this week. Separately, Crimson Desert is slated for March 19 release. The rollout underscores Nvidia’s push to showcase advanced lighting tech across multiple titles.

Nvidia stock falls after Q4 beat as guidance falls short of Wall Street

February 27, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Nvidia shares fell more than 5% after the company beat on EPS and revenue for Q4 but disappointed some investors on guidance for the first quarter. The company reported EPS of $1.62 on revenue of $68.1 billion, topping consensus of $1.53 and $65.8 billion. Q1 guidance is $76.44-79.56 billion, above forecasts of $72.8 billion. The data center business drove most of the growth, at $62.3 billion, ahead of estimates $60.2 billion; hyperscalers remained the largest customer group, just over 50% of Data Center revenue. Compute revenue rose 58% YoY; networking up 263% to $11B. Nvidia eyes the GTC 2026 event; Meta deal expands with Blackwell, Rubin, and Grace servers. Analysts weigh AI cycle longevity, with opinions split on 2027-28.

GeForce Game Ready Driver brings path tracing and DLSS 4 to Resident Evil Requiem on RTX GPUs

February 27, 2026, 12:14 AM EST. NVIDIA released a GeForce Game Ready Driver for Resident Evil Requiem, aligning PC visuals with the survival horror’s cinematic realism. The update enables path tracing lighting on GeForce RTX GPUs, with DLSS Ray Reconstruction to sharpen shadows, reflections, and glass refractions. On the RTX 50 Series, gamers can enable DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation to push frame rates at high resolutions. The game, which follows Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy as they probe strange deaths tied to the 1998 Raccoon City Incident, benefits from improved lighting and immersion. NVIDIA notes the driver is tuned for both first-person and over-the-shoulder third-person modes, offering smoother performance on supported hardware.

An Easier Introduction to CUDA (Updated)

February 27, 2026, 12:12 AM EST. An updated, streamlined primer on CUDA explains how CUDA C++ lets C++ developers use thousands of GPU cores for parallel work. The post frames CUDA as NVIDIA’s parallel computing platform and notes its role in accelerating libraries and the AI revolution behind Deep Learning. It covers prerequisites: a CUDA-capable GPU, the free CUDA Toolkit, and options to run locally or in the cloud (Windows, WSL, Linux; AWS, Azure, Google Colab). It walks through a tiny example that sums two arrays on the CPU, with code to compile via g++ and run, validating results. The piece then moves toward running the same work on the GPU, beginning with converting a host function into a kernel. The update promises an even easier introduction.

Hybrid-EP Optimizes MoE Training Communication on NVIDIA Platforms

February 27, 2026, 12:10 AM EST. Hybrid-EP tackles the all-to-all communication challenge in hyperscale mixture-of-experts (MoE) training. The approach, implemented in NVIDIA Megatron and tested on Quantum InfiniBand and Spectrum-X Ethernet, trims EP communication time by exploiting top-k sparsity and dynamic routing. The result reduces load imbalance between hot and cold experts, improving GPU utilization in fine-grained MoE models like DeepSeek-V3, where communication can exceed half of total training time without optimization. NVIDIA Megatron Core enables multidimensional parallelism, FP8 mixed-precision training, offloading, and fine-grained recomputation to fit next-gen hardware. The post outlines how Hybrid-EP integrates with EP and supports scalable, adaptive resource scheduling across platforms, demonstrating gains in real-world model training while noting remaining challenges in load balancing and framework adaptability.

GeForce NOW Reaches 4,500-Title Library as Anniversary Adds 12 New Games

February 27, 2026, 12:08 AM EST. GeForce NOW marked its sixth anniversary with updates to a growing cloud library, now over 4,500 titles. The service adds 12 new games this week and emphasizes access across stores including Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect and GOG.com. Install-to-Play expands cloud access by letting members install Steam games opted in for cloud gaming, effectively doubling launchable titles. The library features curated rows for new releases, RTX-enabled titles and free-to-play picks, with smart syncing so games appear in the cloud catalog without downloads. Ultimate members get priority servers. The celebration runs on Reddit through Feb. 20, with a community screenshot-and-meme giveaway offering prizes such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and a Thrustmaster HOTAS ONE. Additional celebrations take place on the GeForce NOW Discord.

Mysterious $50 credits appear on Samsung Accounts ahead of Galaxy Unpacked

February 27, 2026, 12:06 AM EST. Some Samsung Account holders in the U.S. woke up to a mysterious $50 credit on Wednesday, just ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event. A Reddit post by user ultima40revealed the credit, and others confirmed it; several recipients said they did not sign up for the Reserve program. In one case the money was spent on a 45W PD USB-C charger. Theories cited include an early Reserve payout tied to pre-orders, though the pattern remains unclear and not all Reserve-eligible accounts matched the gift. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to be priced around $899.99 for the base model, $1,099.99 for the S26+, and $1,299.99 for the S26 Ultra, with a March 11 release. Some regions also show larger storage options at new price points.

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Samsung isn’t putting magnets inside Galaxy phones just yet—case-related tradeoffs are still holding things up, according to the company’s R&D chief.

February 27, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Samsung’s R&D head Won-Joon Choi isn’t sold on putting magnets inside Galaxy phones; he points out it means a thicker device, and with 80 to 90 percent of users opting for protective cases, the compromise doesn’t add up. Magnet-friendly accessories remain a draw, but for now, Samsung prefers using the extra space for a larger battery or keeping the phone slimmer. The company isn’t walking away from magnets entirely—research is ongoing to see how they might fit without tradeoffs, and Choi says they’ll build them in when performance isn’t at risk. In the meantime, Samsung users still get compatibility with external magnet accessories, even as competitors like Apple and Google embed magnets directly. The interview underscores the balancing act defining the next Galaxy lineup.